Disclaimer: I do not own FMA or any of the characters. They belong to Arakawa-Senpai~ I only own my OC's, my made up towns/cities/countries/other misc characters and this fanfiction.

Author's Note: I included some verses from the song 'Don't Let Go' by Brian Adams in this chapter, kind of like a background soundtrack for the scene. I personally think the song suits Alphonse and Juniper perfectly in this story. Listen to it and you might see what I mean. I have a habit of listening to a lot of music when I write, as it inspires me to write more emotion into it, or at least try to.

I welcome CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, so please review somewhat kindly. Also feel free to PM me for any questions/queries about this story, or even just to say hello :3

Chapter: Igniting The Fire

Summary: 'You are my salvation...'

A soft knock at the door sent the sound echoing through the small room, soon followed by the sound of a door being opened quietly and something on wheels being rolled in. Alphonse stirred from his nap at the subtle sounds that entered the room. His golden eyes flickered and blinked softly as he sat up further in the chair beside Juniper's bed. He turned his head in the direction of the sound and noticed that the head nurse who'd been taking care of Juniper had quietly walked in, pushing a small cart. She offered him a warm smile as she watched him become adjusted to the soft light of twilight that entered the room from the window.

"Good evening Colonel. I apologize for disturbing you. I came to change Miss Fox's bandages; I also brought you some food." She said, halting the cart at the end of the bed.

"No, it's perfectly fine Ma'am. It's a poor hour to be napping anyway." He replied with a soft smile of his own.

The head nurse, whose name was Inez, had noticed a subtle difference in the young man's face when he smiled at her today. She raised a curious brow and continued with light conversation as she got to work, prepping the new bandages. "You appear to be in much better spirits today. Did something good happen?"

"Yeah, I suppose so. My brother came earlier today to see me, and Miss Fox." He said, glancing back at Juniper.

"Oh well that's lovely. Does he know Miss Fox as well?" Nurse Inez was glad he was talking, so she kept it going for a little more now that he had perked up a bit since yesterday.

"Yeah, well-acquainted I suppose. She helped him out once when he found himself some trouble in his past travels. He was lucky she appeared in the right place at the right time." He said with a quiet chuckle and a shake of his head.

Nurse Inez chuckled. "My my, he sounds as if he certainly got lucky then. Did he go home already?"

"No, I sent him back to my apartment while I'm here with Juniper. It's a long journey back home and I couldn't have him staying in some hotel." Alphonse said as Nurse Inez approached Juniper from the other side of the bed, tugging the cart along with her.

"You should go be with him while he's here. I can watch out for Miss Fox tonight." She replied as she started to gently remove Juniper's bandages from around her neck.

"I couldn't leave here and be able to relax I'm afraid Ma'am. I'd be too paranoid. Ed understands; besides I think he knows I'd drive him crazy with my fretting." He turned his head slightly to look away as the bandage was removed. It wasn't that it was bad to look at; in fact it was healing very well. But it was the guilt that gnawed at his insides and twisted his heart when he saw it. He still felt he could have prevented it.

Nurse Inez nodded her head, silently agreeing.

It fell quiet as Nurse Inez gently wrapped the fresh new bandage around Juniper's neck, being mindful of the stitches in her soft flesh. Once that was done, she went over and checked her vital signs, which showed no real change from what they should be. Lastly, she replaced the near empty bag of fluid that kept Juniper hydrated with a new one before rolling the cart away, she stopped just at the end of the bed once more. She reached under the cart and pulled a tray from one of its shelves then placed the tray on a small table that was in the room.

"There's some chicken soup and some fresh bread there for you. You really should eat more, young man. I'm sure Miss Fox would be less than pleased if she woke up and found you had not been eating properly." She chided softly with a light chuckle.

Alphonse resisted the urge to roll his eyes, and simply smiled. "You're probably right Ma'am. Thank you."

She nodded then turned to leave the room with her cart, closing the door quietly behind her.

Alphonse let out a loud sigh and rose to his feet. He stretched out, his arms reaching up and groaned from the stiffness in his body being released. He considered to himself that he really should move about more. The smell of the fresh soup wafted its way to him, and inadvertently caused his stomach to grumble. That was embarrassing. He needed to eat.

He looked down at her, appearing lost for a moment. "Would you be upset with me? With everything that's happened, everything I've be unable to do these past two weeks?" He asked her, knowing his only response from her was the gentle rhythmic breathes she took. As much as he craved to hear her voice; to him, that was more than enough.

"Very well. Have her!" Jagger shouted as he thrust Juniper's almost motionless body towards Alphonse, but in the process, ran the blade of the arrow across her throat before turning and making a dash for the darkness of the alleyway to make his escape.

"Juniper!" Alphonse, Roy and Riza cried out as everything they witnessed seemed to slow time. The garbled sound of her painful cry struck Alphonse hard. She stumbled a few steps before finally collapsing to the pavement,but not before he had rushed out in time to catch her upper body, preventing it from hitting the hard, wet ground.

Her skin was cold from the rain and lack of clothing, but her blood was burning up with an oncoming fever. Alphonse quickly pressed his hand against her slit throat to stop the bleeding, but it became apparent that his effort was fruitless. She was going to bleed out if she didn't get help soon.

He watched her eyes flutter, fighting to stay open as she grew weaker and weaker in his arms. The rain continued to pour down relentlessly as the thunder rumbled throughout the skies above them.

"I'm sorry…. Alphonse…. I'm so sorry."

"No! Don't say that. This is not your fault. We're going to get you some help. Just hold on for me a little longer."

"Alphonse…" A gentle hand rose to caress his cheek, and then weakly fell away from it, falling into the pavement with a gentle thud.

Alphonse shook her body. "Juniper? Juniper, look at me."

She didn't move.

She didn't make a noise.

She didn't open her eyes.

She stopped breathing, and darkness enclosed around them.

"Juniper!"

Alphonse bolted upright with wild and frightened eyes, the sheets falling and pooling around his waist. He was panting heavily and his body glistened with sweat under his black tank shirt. Quickly searching the room, his eyes halted onto a sleeping figure across the room from where he lay. He swallowed hard and let out a long sigh of relief as he tried to calm his rapidly beating heart. Figuring he wasn't going to get back to sleep anytime soon, tossed the sheets aside and swung his legs out of the portable bed. He rubbed his hands over his face and exhaled roughly. He lost count the amount of times he had had this dream, and each time, it become more vivid, more frightening. Alphonse now hated sleeping, especially at night.

He reached out and grabbed the pair of slacks he had laid out to wear the following day then slipped them on. He figured there'd be no point in even trying to sleep again.

Slowly, he walked over to Juniper. She was still here, breathing and alive. It calmed him, but felt it also made him restless. He just wanted to see her beautiful hazel eyes and hear her lovely voice. It was becoming unbearable, waiting and never knowing if he would.

The bright moonlight that shone down through the window and over her pale skin made her look all the more beautiful to him. He let out a soft sigh as he leaned in over her, placing his hands on either side of her head. With the softest and most tender touch, he moved his left hand to her cheek. Feeling the soft heat of her skin, his breathe hitched slightly at the simple touch. Slowly, he moved his hand down, letting it come to a rest over her bandages. Alphonse couldn't cope with this heartache anymore. He felt the bitter sting of fresh tears as he closed his eyes and leaned in more, his face moving closer to hers.

With a final peek at her sleeping face, he closed his eyes and moved in, pressing his forehead to hers with the tips of their noses barely touching. This was the closest he had been to her, and yet neither he, nor she could enjoy it in the way a simple touch should be enjoyed.

He sensed her inner chi; dormant and weak. Like a tired flame nearing the end of its wick, close to burning out. But the raging fire of raw emotion and feeling was burning deep within Alphonse's heart, and he felt it coursing through him at the touch of their skin, through to her, reigniting.

'Wake up Juniper… Please wake up… I-… I need you. I don't think I can cope much more without seeing your smiling face once again. Let me be your strength...' He pleaded mentally. Silently, he bore his energy to her. A soft blueish white glow emitted from his left palm that was upon her neck as he yearned to help her, to heal her in whichever way he could. He wasn't sure how long he stayed there like this for, but when he pulled away from her, he felt drained and lethargic, and stumbled back to sit in the bedside chair. He looked at her, seeing no response or movement at all. Perhaps his efforts were in vain after all, and she was too far gone? He slouched over, crossing his arms in front of himself and leaned against them on the soft mattress. He buried his face in to crook of his elbow and let out a deep, miserable sigh. He soon found himself drifting off to sleep.

Alphonse watched Juniper's eyes flutter, fighting to stay open as she grew weaker and weaker in his arms. The rain continued to pour down relentlessly as the thunder rumbled throughout the skies above them. It was the same dream that had been haunting him again and again.

"I'm sorry…. Alphonse…. I'm so sorry."

"No! Don't say that. This is not your fault. We're going to get you some help. Just hold on for me a little longer."

"Alphonse…" A gentle hand rose to caress his cheek, but something was different about it this time. It was the way her voice sounded; hoarse and sore, but with a hint of warmth and affection.

"Alphonse…" Juniper repeated it once more, her hand caressing his cheek again, but it was a smooth and warm touch, not cold and trembling one like most the dreams had been like.

He watched her eyes open. Was this a dream? He wished it wasn't, he wished it was real. Her hand moved away from his face and cupped one of his hands lightly.

"Alphonse…"

Alphonse stirred from his sleep, blinking his golden eyes as he remembered that he had passed out at Juniper's bedside. His hand felt warm, like it was under the soft flesh of a palm. As his eyes adjusted, he could see a smaller hand placed loosely above his. Citrine orbs stared in disbelief as they traveled up the arm that the hand belonged to, and widened achingly when they connected with glistening, hooded hazel eyes.

Alphonse bolted upright immediately and stared into the endless pools of mixed color that was Juniper's groggy and awakened eyes. She smiled weakly, but it was a smile that expressed so much. With the short time she had been awake, she realized that she was in the hospital, and quickly found that Alphonse was fast asleep at her bedside. She didn't know how long she had been unconscious for, or what had happened after she passed out, but seeing Alphonse here was enough reassurance to know that she was very much safe.

"Hi…" she croaked softly as she smiled sheepishly.

Alphonse grabbed her hand and held it tightly within both of his own as he pressed it close to him. The relief that rushed through him was incredible and intense, and he was so happy that he could feel his eyes begin to sting with happy tears that welled up in his eyes but never fell. He wanted to say so much, but he honestly struggled to find the words that were right for this moment.

"Oh Juniper, you have no idea how relieved I am. I was so worried. I was so afraid that you were never going to wake up." He said in a rush, fighting off the urge to grab her and hug her so tightly out of fear that she would close her eyes again. "How are you feeling?"

Juniper opened her mouth, and with the hand that wasn't currently being squeezed to death by Alphonse, she pointed to it. Her throat was so dry and sore, and she was very parched. Just saying his name and a tiny 'Hi' was painful. Alphonse realized this quickly.

"Oh you're thirsty? I'll go get you the nurse to come look at you." His words still came out in a rush as he quickly stood. When he turned to go, he felt her tug on his hand that was still intertwined with hers. He looked back at her with concern, but soon realized that she was pulling him back, and he let her do so, following the direction of her pull. Juniper was tugging him down to lean over her, and when he was close enough, she lifted a weak arm up and threw it around his neck. She pulled him in close and hugged him as tightly as she could manage. Alphonse's cheeks turned a deep crimson as his heart thrashed against his chest, thinking that even when in such a weakened state, she was such a sweetheart. He gently wrapped his arms around her where he could, and returned the embrace. He wasn't sure how, but he knew she was thanking him in the only way she could right now. Even though he felt he didn't really deserve it, it warmed his heart.

Hesitantly, he pulled away from her. "I'll be right back. I promise."

It was only about 2 o'clock in the morning, but Nurse Inez was still on her shift when Alphonse came running to the nurse's desk, telling her in a rush of excited words that Miss Fox had awoken and had needs to be taken care of. She was now pushing Juniper back to her room in a wheelchair after helping the young woman to the bathroom to use the restroom and bathe.

Juniper felt so much better after a brief, but rather embarrassing, assisted shower. She couldn't understand why she couldn't go by herself without the nurse. That is until her weak legs threatened to give out under her. She hadn't realized she had been in a hospital bed for two whole weeks, nor did she realize the toll it had taken on her body. She let out a soft sigh as she was settled back into bed. Nurse Inez briefly left, but then returned holding a small metal bowl with large ice chips in it.

"You have to take your fluids slowly for now, Miss. The doctor will be in later this morning to take a look at your throat before I'm allowed to give you any proper fluids or food." Nurse Inez said apologetically as she watched Juniper's brow furrow lightly and pout softly, but got a nod in response. She left the room shortly after double checking Juniper had everything she needed for now.

Alphonse turned to Juniper and smiled softly as he watched her try to pick up one of the ice chips that kept slipping from her grasp, hearing her grumble softly. He cast his eyes down at the bed in front of him and rubbed the back of his neck as he smiled sheepishly. "Uhh… w-would you like some help Juniper?"

Her cheeks heated at the offer, but she didn't respond to him straight away as she continued to try. She just couldn't quite get a grip on the small, cold objects. Her hands were too weak and warm right now, and the nurse had forgotten to leave her a spoon or anything to help scoop them up with. Slowly, she lifted her head to look at Alphonse, considering his offer before nodding her head shyly.

Alphonse rose from his chair and turned to sit on the edge of her bed, facing her. He took the metal bowl from her lap and placed it in his own, then picked up a smaller ice chip between his index finger and thumb, and lifted it to her lips. He watched as she bit down on her bottom lip, and he had to suppress a groan from arising in his throat. He now remembered he had this same reaction every time she did this little habit of hers, and it caused reactions within him that were inappropriate, especially at this moment. She closed her lips around the cold shard and he let it go as she began to suckle on it, her lips smacking together appreciatively as it melted and soothed the dryness in her throat. Her face was aflame with a blush, and he was sure his was near enough the same shade.

They repeated the somewhat awkward process over and over until all the shards were gone. With her throat no longer dry or as sore, Juniper could now speak softly.

"Thank you Alphonse."

"Sure, n-no problem at all." He replied, placing the empty metal bowl on one of the bed side tables.

"No I mean, thank you for everything. You've helped take care of me the past two weeks. I can see from that bed over there you've stayed some nights too." She peered up at him.

"Uhh…well. I've actually not left the hospital at all, and I've rarely left the room. I…" He paused, deciding whether he should tell her it was because he was so frazzled with worry over her, and he had flat out refused to leave. "…I was assigned to stay here and watch over you by the General." A tiny white lie.

Juniper cast her hazel eyes down at her hands on her lap as they fiddled with the white sheets. She felt guilty. "Oh, I see. I hope you weren't too indisposed because of me."

"Absolutely not!" Alphonse had raised his tone slightly and sounded snappy, but settled quickly when he realized it, letting out a deep sigh. He could never think she caused him any inconvenience. "I mean, you're a work colleague and I was assigned to watch over you and so I did. Teammates have to watch out for one another right?" He looked at her and watched her nod, but her eyes remained on her hands in her lap.

'Oh nice one, moron! What the hell was that for?! Apologize dammit!'

"Juniper… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that." He looked down at the floor, guilt gnawing at him once more. She didn't deserve that after just waking up for the first time in two weeks. He felt her hand touch his shoulder.

"Alphonse? You weren't here just because you were ordered to be, were you? You were worried about me." She stated softly. She could only imagine how the past two weeks must've been for him. If it was the other way around, and he had been unconscious for two whole weeks after having his throat slit, she'd be at her wits end too. She could see the internal battle going on behind his wonderful golden eyes.

He finally cracked, tears welling up and falling from his eyes as he squeezed them shut. His heart; though relieved that she was going to be okay, still felt shattered and exhausted after everything that's happened. "Oh Juniper… I felt like I was in my own personal hell. Even with all my skill and knowledge, I couldn't save you from what happened. I feel like I could have stopped this from ever happening to you. Not only because you're part of my team, but you're also my friend, a friend I should have been able to save. I failed you." He paused with a shaky breathe, trying to swallow a sob that threatened to escape. "After that, I couldn't bear to leave your side. I was afraid that… I was afraid that I… that we… would lose you."

Hot tears began to roll down Juniper's cheeks. Alphonse was the most compassionate, selfless man she had ever met, and his words made her heart thump just that little bit harder. Without thinking, she shuffled out of the blankets and crawled over to his side at the edge of the bed. She placed gentle hands on his cheeks and turned his face to hers. His golden eyes were like liquid honey behind his pained tears that continued to flow, which she would wipe away with her thumbs with a gentle caress. He had been here for her, and though she wasn't aware of it yet, because of him and his alkahestry, she was going to be okay. Now she would be here for him. He was a good man, and even good men still suffer; only he had suffered more than his fair share. It was time he got his own equivalent exchange for it, and even more.

"Juniper… you should get back into bed. You need to be resting. I don't want you to get cold." He said softly in a concerned tone as his own hand came up and wiped her own tears from her cheek.

Juniper sniffled quietly. "Okay… but you should too."

Alphonse nodded and looked as if he was about to stand when her hand grabbed his own. He looked back at her and watched her climb back into bed; only she held the sheets open and tugged him down with a bit more strength than she had an hour ago. He nearly fell onto her, but braced his hands on either side of her body. He stared down at her with wide eyes, pink dusting his cheeks softly as they did with hers.

I can't believe this moment's come

It's so incredible that we're alone

There's so much to be said and done

It's impossible not to be overcome

"Stay here with me Alphonse." She said, almost pleading.

He hesitated, he wasn't even sure if he had heard her right. He resisted the urge to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Alphonse felt his cheeks burning as he stared down at her. She appeared a little shy even, something he never thought she'd be. She was adorable; surely there was no way he could say no.

Will you forgive me if I feel this way

Cuz we've just met - tell me that's OK

So take this feeling'n make it grow

Never let it - never let it go

"I'm not going anywhere, Juniper. Not tonight. Tonight I'll be here with you." He whispered softly with the warmest of smiles.

With his decision made, he reached over and turned the light switch off then slowly moved his body to lie down beside her on the bed. They both had butterflies in their stomachs as they got settled under the sheets, which Alphonse pulled up over them both. Nerves could be felt between them, but oddly, there was no awkwardness. They faced one another, looking into each other's tear burdened eyes, even though the tears no longer flowed.

"Are you warm?" Alphonse whispered to her, seeing her nod her reply.

"Yes I am. Are you?" She replied, also on a whisper.

"I will be soon enough." He smiled warmly. Truth be told he was a little cold. But lying here beside her, he was sure he'd warm up quickly, even though they weren't even touching each other. That is, until she shuffled her body closer, settling against his chest. Her arms wrapped around his waist as her head rested against him. He gasped softly at the contact of her warm body, but kept himself composed as he wrapped his own arms around her smaller frame. He stared down at her closed eyes, his own were a little bewildered, but mostly filled with affection.

Now would you mind if I bared my soul

If I came right out and said you're beautiful

Cuz there's something here I can't explain

I feel I'm diving into driving rain

A lock of burgundy brown hair fell onto her closed eyes, so he reached up and gently moved it, tucking it behind her ear. Her hazel eyes fluttered open to look up into his golden ones, her cheeks pink from their close proximity. It felt so right, so normal but also so exhilarating. They could barely make out each other's heartbeat, which sounded almost perfectly in sync. The charge of mixed emotions, and the pull between them was strongly felt. It was such an overwhelming feeling, wanting to push them closer.

"Juniper?" Alphonse whispered with his eyes hooded as he stared into her own.

"Yeah?" She replied softly.

Alphonse leaned in closer, bringing their noses together. The simple touch sent a spark shooting through both of them, causing them to shudder pleasantly as breathing became soft, heated pants.

You get my senses running wild

I can't resist your sweet, sweet smile

So take this feeling 'n make it grow

Never let it - never let it go

"I missed you…. So much…" He confessed with fading words as his lips came close to hers, barely feathering over them as he hesitated. She let out a soft whimper, wanting but fighting the urge to take the initiative herself. The need for sleep was against them and closing in fast as they both closed their eyes, leaning in just a fraction more… So very close.

But sleep had beaten them. They let their dreams take hold and guide them into a peaceful, warm slumber, remaining in each other's arms till dawn.

Author's Note: This was probably my favorite chapter to write so far...