Sorry for not writing for a while. School started back last week, and I have had lots of work to do. Science fair is due in like, a week and I haven't done the experiment yet, so I really shouldn't be writing this:/ But I am anyway~!

(Age 15)

I signed and closed the letter, making sure to tape it closed to save it from prying eyes, namely Edward and Alphonse. I really didn't want them reading my letter to Winry. Not only did it mention how I think I might feel about Havoc, but it included the conversation of my 'type' of guy, and a certain request that I've been meaning to take care of. When I was younger, the issue wasn't that prominent, but lately it's become a bit of a pain.

The letter read: Dear Winry,

Things here in central are doing well, even if Ed and Al don't tell you the details. I don't know if they'll even tell you how they got so beat up, nor would I blame them if they tried to keep it from you. Their state of health is due to a criminal that the military is currently after. He's on the run now, so he shouldn't be after them anymore. They are alright, but it really shook them up.

I have a question for you, Winry. How do you know what love feels like? Or even just a crush? There's a man here that I work with that makes me feel nervous and different. Even Ed is okay with him, but that's because he held me back from the fight that the two of them were injured in. I'm not sure if he's just an interesting guy, or if I like him. You're a lot more girly than I am, so I was hoping you could tell me what it is I'm feeling.

When you write back, assuming you received this letter, please tell me how things back home are, and how Granny Pinako is.

I almost forgot, when Ed and Al were researching at Shou Tucker's home, I stayed back at the base with Mustang's unit. I sorted papers and files for a few days. But somehow this odd conversation got started, about 'types'. It's kinda funny, now that I think about it. I hope you got a kick out of that, imagining me in a conversation of what kind of guy I like.

Your Friend,

~Elizabeth Elric

P.S. This is a bit awkward, but could you send a few bras in a box or something? I couldn't really buy any new ones because Ed and Al never left my side before, and now I've got an official guard because of the criminal on the loose, and I really need one or two. Thanks in advance!

"Ed!" I called from outside the bathroom door. He's been in there forever! Just as I called for him the door nob turned and Edward stepped out dressed and ready to head out for Resembool. I felt kind of bad for my impatience when I saw his lack of automail again, realizing I had forgotten that he had to get showered and dressed with only one arm.

"What?" He replied, sidestepping me to grab his jacket and suitcase. I almost laughed at his little dance to put on his red long-sleeved jacket.

"Can you give this to Winry, please?" I asked, handing the letter to him, "And don't you dare read it! If you do, I'll break your good arm!" I threatened emptily, I know he won't read it, and he knows I wouldn't break an arm.

Edward laughed at my reaction, "Then can I read her letter back to you?" He teased.

"Take that up with Winry!" I joked. I noticed how he smiled, remembering Winry. For how long we've been gone, he hasn't thought of her much. I wonder if that's a bad thing, or maybe he has, and never said anything.

We walked to the main entrance of the building and waited for Major Armstrong. Edward definitely put up a fight with the Major being his guard and all, but he had no chance of winning that battle with one arm.

Fuery wasn't far behind the three of us, he had set out to find me not long after we had left the room. Turns out he was supposed to be there before we left, Mustang's orders, but we left a few minutes earlier than expected.

"Elizabeth?" He called from a few yards away, "Oh!" He spotted Al, and consequently me. Al wasn't able to walk, but he leaned on me to make it this far. The Major was going to carry him the remaining distance to the train. "There you are!" he called, closing the remaining distance pretty quickly.

I internally groaned before facing him completely. I'm not sure if I was dreading having a guard, Ed's reaction to Fuery being my guard, or a bit of both. Nevertheless, I had to grin and bear it as I replied, "Yes, Fuery?" with a pleasant smile.

"Wait for me from now on, please. Mustang and Havoc will kill me if I lose track of you!" He huffed, not paying attention to Edward and Alphonse's departure. Ed's attention, however, snapped to the oblivious Fuery.

"You're her guard?" He remarked, utterly confused.

"Fuery...?" Al chimed, "Why, Liz would be better off being your guard." Though Al meant no malice, it still came out a bit harsh and uncalled for, simply due to what was said. I couldn't argue, I fought much better than Fuery. He's a bit of a bumbling bee kind of office worker, not an army ant.

"U-Uh, I-M-My orders were to guard her. D-don't take it out on me. Besides, the Alchemist Killer's on the run," Fuery defended himself, "I doubt he would want to attack anyone in central. This is merely a precaution."

Edward looked at him like he was trying to figure him out or something. I passed it off as a guy thing. He reluctantly replied, "Alright," I could feel the stipulations coming already, "But stay as close to Havoc, Mustang and the others as you can. I swear if anything happens to her..." He trailed off threateningly. Damn it, he has to choose now to be protective? Not when Havoc practically asked me on a date in front of him? No, not a date. A peace-meeting.

I interrupted his brotherly moment with a shove and a comment, "Whatever, Ed." I retorted sarcastically, "Be sure not to fall on your face in front of Winry," I didn't pause, but I did note the thoughtful look on his face. Was he taking this to heart? "and don't bust up your automail before I get to see the new design!" The thought made him chuckle and he let go of his ego enough to say goodbye with a smile.

By the time they finally started out for the station I had long since turned and accusing eye to Fuery. "Why isn't Havoc assigned to me anymore?" I asked as soon as they were out of hearing range.

Fuery gave me a sheepish look and scratched the back of his head, "I don't really know. I'd be a lot more comfortable if he were still your guard, to be honest." I'm sure I looked a bit skeptical because he added, "You're a bit hard to handle, Liz. And like Edward said, I'm not exactly the best protection. Havoc is way more capable." I tried to ignore the 'hard to handle' comment, remaining silent in the process. I managed to wordlessly nod, and Fuery just began walking in a random direction, taking the initiative to move.

I was so deep in thought I hadn't even realized we were passing a little unfamiliar diner. How long had we been walking? I glanced backwards, but the headquarters were far out of sight. I scanned the area, hoping for a flicker of familiarity, but none came. I'd definitely never been to this part of town before.

"Where are we?" I chirped, slightly interested in what was up.

"Civic duty," He geared out dreadfully, "normally I don't have it, but Mustang doesn't want you in the off-" He stopped dead in his tracks, "He doesn't want you out of your comfort zone." He corrected quickly, but not nearly quick enough. I'd already caught the drift.

I groaned, "Not you too, Fuery. You're the nice one. Don't lie to me. Why doesn't Mustang want me in the office?" I pleaded. He was sweet enough, maybe he'd just cave.

"H-He just doesn't want you out of your comfort zone." Fuery insisted stronger, more confidently.

I huffed in anger, "Whatever."

Fuery heaved a heavy and frustrated sigh, "Don't be like that, Liz. I'm taking you somewhere. We're not really on Civic duty. But I can't tell you where we're going yet." We'd reached a large, old-style brick house with two stories. At a second glance, I realized it wasn't a home. It was an Inn.

I furrowed my brow as he opened the door for me. "What's going o-" I froze mid-step, still blocking the doorway as my eyes locked with Havoc. Taking that mid-step, I whirrled on my heel to face Fuery, "Seriously? A set up? Are we five now?" I snapped sarcastically. I turned rapidly to face the instigator himself this time, "I said I'd think about it. It doesn't translate to 'bring me to a place to meet anyway', understand?" Havoc didn't really acknowledge me until a few seconds after I spoke.

"Oh," He drawled slowly, "Hey Beth." Three words. Three words and my face flamed up. Three words.

I gritted my teeth at the fool I'd just made of myself, and of the fool Havoc had let me make of myself. "Havoc." I nodded stiffly.

"Beth..." I turned my head away, still a bit mad, still a bit embarrassed. How did I feel about Havoc? Was I mad at him? Did I like him? Did I admire him? Or a mixture of them? He continued anyway, "I'm sorry for lying to you." Just like that, one simple apology, had me cracking a smile. I still refused to look at him, but I wasn't-couldn't be-mad at him any longer. I'd been waiting for that. It took him long enough.

"Good." I replied with a small, forgiving smile, finally turning to face him. In a split second I decided to test him a little more. Oh god, I'm a horrible person. "If that's all, Fuery and I going back to work now." If he wanted to hang out or anything, he'd have to take initiative. He's lost my trust and I want him to try and earn it back.

"Beth!" He called as I rested my hand on the door handle, "I've got some food coming our way, are you sure you want to bail right now?" He offered slyly. Sometimes I think I'm too much like my brother for my own good.

"Is that an invitation?" I responded rhetorically. He answered anyway.

"Why yes, it is. Please sit and eat with me," He smiled at me. Though he still looked tired, he didn't look nearly as bad as when I told him I hated him. I felt pretty bad about that, now that I think of it. He didn't deserve that. He was trying to help me, and do his job. Can't blame a mad for that, can I?

I pulled up a chair and Fuery followed, but stood awkwardly. I chuckled at his ignorance of the situation.

"Well, Kain?" Havoc joked, "Anytime today."