The Flower Princess and the Alchemist

by BloodPokemon101

"How can you bypass the laws of Equivalent Exchange without a Philosopher's Stone?" "I don't think my powers have anything to do with alchemy." After fighting a Hollow, Orihime mysteriously finds herself in the world of FMA. With the meeting of the Elric brothers, she is tossed into another adventure with joy, heartbreak, and romance along the way.

34. A Healer's Resolve

(A/N: Here's chapter thirty four! Man, this is a long as s story, but completely fun to write and well worth it! I don't what to say. More like, I don't want to say anything because I'm extremely excited, and just want to get on it! Enjoy! I know this is a little late, but Happy Valentine's Day!

sacke100: Thanks for the review! Yep, everything that's happening in the Bleach world is the Fullbring Arc. Just taking place a little earlier than in canon. Yeah, it just came to my attention while I was writing the chapter, but it was one of the few times a broken window wasn't played for comedic effect. I know a couple of other anime that played a broken window for drama, and the assailant got their repercussions one way or another. So, I just thought to myself, why didn't Tatsuki get in trouble? I know it's no big deal because it's anime, but still...

ShinyKyu: Thanks for the review! Yeah, I figured as much. It really just depends on the type of window. How wide or flat, the type of glass, etc. And a few hundred dollars is just for the window itself, you still have to pay extra for fixers to put it up, unless you know how to do it yourself. That's why I said, that it should, at least, cost about eight hundred to thousand dollars to replace a broken window. Maximum. Window repairs could also be as low as two hundred or three hundred dollars. But still, it's pretty expensive, especially for someone in high school, like Tatsuki.)

---

A Healer's Resolve

"So beautiful! So beautiful!"

Morgan had just required a fashion magazine. And to his great pleasure and joy, his lovely Orihime was featured in it. She was even on the cover, too!

"So beautiful!" he panted in delight, lustfully, sweat pouring down his body. The crescent moon reflected through his hotel room, illuminating it in a silvery light.

He flipped another page in the magazine. He was greeted with another divine picture of Orihime. She was lovely! So sexy! Those dresses fit her nicely! Very exquisite!

The strong feeling of delirium and passion began to overtake him. All Morgan could think about was the beautiful auburn haired goddess! How her lips would feel, how her skin would taste, how she would be in bed, and how her voice would sound as he gives her a night of passion she would never forget.

"So beautiful! SO BEAUTIFUL!" Morgan practically screamed in ecstasy, his vision blurring in euphoric stars of white. His body went limp as it was glistening in sweat as he settled down with heavy pants.

His dark, hazy, lustful green eyes stared at Orihime's photo once more. He licked his lips, lasciviously.

The blond man couldn't take it anymore. This was torture!

He had to have her!

---

"RUSH VALLEY!" Winry all but screamed, her tone of undeniably delight and sheer happiness could be heard for miles. "We're finally here!"

The group of four had finally made to their destination. After several weeks of walking and stopping in various towns, they arrived at the automail town of Rush Valley. And boy, what a thrilling and exhausting journey it was.

"Automail! Automail! Automail!" Winry squealed in absolute like a kid in a candy store, her eyes sparkling with pools of diamonds in them. "I'm so happy!"

"We finally made it to this godforsaken place," Edward grumbled, his facial expression showing much irritation. "And I already hate it here. Why can't we just drop Winry off and leave?"

"C'mon. Don't say that, Eddie," Orihime lightly scolded him. She had changed out of her school uniform because it was dirty and needed to be washed. She now sported a plain, hot pink, short sleeve t-shirt, jean overalls with shorts only reaching below her mid thigh, showing off her creamy legs, and a pair of ankle length, white socks and brown shoes adorned her feet. A nice, cool attire perfect for the heat of Rush Valley.

Ed scoffed. Not only was he surrounded by automail freaks that would look at him as if they struck gold once they find out about his automail right arm and left leg. As if Winry wasn't enough to deal with. But it was hot as hell with the sun blazing through the slightly cloudy sky. And having automail for limbs just made it that much worse since the metal absorbs the heat of the sun's rays.

The blond alchemist sighed, miserably. A loud, girlish squeal snapped him out of his musings. And sure enough, his golden gaze landed on Winry happily fussing an automail on a window display.

"This is town is nothing but automail freaks," Ed grumbled, irritably.

"Brother, have a little patience, will you?" Alphonse sighed at his older brother's complaints.

"Well, sorry, for being a bit irritated, Al. I'm just pissed off that it took us weeks to get to this damn place with nothing worth seeing." The blond alchemist just let out noise of pure exhaustion, a hand slowly sliding down his face in exasperation, eyes closed. "I just want to get Dublith."

Ed perked up when he heard yet another girlish squeal, but this time it wasn't Winry. He cracked an eye open to see Orihime hovering offer a window display full of cakes and pastries. Her gray eyes sparkled with joy and delight.

"These all look so delicious!" Orihime exclaimed in glee.

The store owner popped his head over the space between the window display and the roof of the building. He was an average looking man in his late twenties with short, black hair and green eyes. Seeing as he had a potential customer, he greeted her with a bright smile.

"Welcome! What can I do for you?"

"Good morning, sir!" the ginger haired girl greeted him, politely. "Can I have a piece of that lemon cake there?" she asked, excitedly, eagerly pointing at a mouth watering slice of yellow cake topped with white frosting and decorated with a lemon wedge on the side.

"Sure!" The store owner immediately went grab a plastic plate. Wearing a plastic glove, so his hand won't make physical contact with the delicious pastry. He carefully scooped it onto the plate, and handed to over to the eagerly waiting auburn haired girl along with a plastic fork.

"Here you go!"

"Thank you!" Orihime giggled in absolute glee and excitement. She gently grabbed at the plate, and placed some money on the counter.

She happily munched on the sweet treat, sighing in bliss. "This is so good!" she hummed in delight. The texture of the cake was smooth. The way it just melts in her mouth was positively heavenly. Not to mention the sweetness was just divine! She blithely took another bite. "You make really good cake, sir!" she complimented the owner, graciously.

"Why, thank you," the dark haired man smiled, whole heartedly. He took a moment to take a good look at his customer, green eyes roaming her auburn hair and figure. Then a vague sense of recognition hit him. "Hey, aren't you that girl from the fashion magazine?"

"Huh?" Gray eyes blink in confusion, her pink lips parted slightly, but she was unable to get a word out, wondering how she should reply to that.

Then the realization hit him full force as his green eyes glowed in fascination. "You are her! 'The Princess of Central'!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically.

Orihime blushed, too embarrassed to respond.

"My wife absolutely adores you!" the store owner explained in a exhilarated voice. "Everyday I always see her flipping through this month's magazine. I'm a man, so I'm not into clothes and such. But my wife is a wild about it. Always talking about clothes and jewelry and designing. Hey, I know this out of blue, but can I get your autograph, so I can give it to my wife?"

Orihime remained frozen, gray eyes slightly widened in surprise. She was completely caught off guard. No one had ever asked to sign anything. Granted, no one ever needed to. It's not like she was famous or anything. After all, she was just a normal high school girl with special powers.

But this… This was totally unexpected. She was utterly loss at what to say, how to respond. Her mouth opened and closed several times like a gaping fish. Her cheeks were flushed light pink in embarrassment. Her heart sped up a bit, counting down her nerves.

The owner seemed to take Orihime's continuous silence as a no. He frowned, dejectedly. "That's alright. You don't have to."

Orihime shook her head, vigorously, laughing, self consciously. "Uh, no, that's not it," she spoke, shyly. "I'm just surprised, that's all. No one has ever asked for my autograph. It's...overwhelming."

The dark haired man smiled. "Then I'll be the first one!"

Edward frowned as he watched Orihime talk animatedly with the sweets shop owner. She seemed to having a good time chatting it up with the owner, but he couldn't make out what they were talking about. Although, the way Orihime ate her cakes, the gleeful sparkle in her beautiful, gray eyes, and the enthusiastic way she waved the arm that wasn't holding her plate around, not to mention the shop owner handing her plate after plate of different pastries more than likely suggested that she was merely and happily complimenting the owner on the delicious treats as he responded in kind.

Not surprising. Orihime always had a knack for making friends with anyone. And it doesn't look like the owner was hitting on her. Just smiling, goofy, if Ed might add, excitedly talking as he pointed at the cakes in his display. Nothing to raise red flags about.

That is until…

Another guy approached her!

It was a tall, burly man with light brown hair and tanned, bronze skin. He wore a simple, white, sleeveless t-shirt and jeans. He also wore jewelry such as a couple of chained necklaces and bracelets on his right wrist.

Ed scowled, deeply, his golden eyes burning. He didn't like the way the guy approached Orihime with in such a bold, self assured manner, nor did he like the flirty smirk he flashed her.

The blond alchemist could feel his blood boiling. He was grinding his teeth together in anger and irritation. His fist clenched tightly, incandescently. His golden eyes glared, heatedly at the arrogant way he was so obviously hitting on her.

Look at him! Acting all smug and obnoxious. Of course, Ed could hear the guy, but that didn't stop him from absolutely sure he was flirty with her!

And Orihime…! Why was she talking with that guy anyway? Laughing so carefreely.

Edward kept reminding himself not to make a scene unless he wanted to be flocked by automail maniacs.

But he was slowly yet surely losing all sense of self control, though he barely had any to begin with. Nevertheless, the more Orihime and that guy kept chattering away, the more Ed's temper rose until it hit dangerous levels. All he could see was red, maddening degrees of sheer red. His teeth were grinding so hard, they might break under the intense pressure.

Then the guy had the nerve, the audacity to not keep his grubby hands to himself.

He touched her!

He put his filthy hands on her, wiping away whatever was on her cheek in such a flirtatious manner. Orihime seemed a bit startled, not knowing how to respond to such an unexpected contact.

That was it!

All Edward could see was seething red as he ferociously stomped up to the two. He grabbed the auburn haired girl's wrist, pulling her towards him. "Orihime, it's time go," Ed said, forcibly, his anger directed at the guy, daring him to say anything.

"But… But…," Orihime started to protest.

"Who the hell are you?" The brown haired man snarled at him.

Ed glowered at the guy. "I could ask you the same thing," he bit back, curtly.

They both glared at each other, sparks flying from their eyes.

Orihime seemed completely oblivious to the tension. She tugged at Ed's sleeve, so his attention was turned on her. Her lips forming into a small pout.

"Cute," Ed thought before blushing and shaking his head, wondering why he's been having such abstract thoughts lately. Especially about Orihime.

It's not because she almost kissed him the other day or anything. Ed could feel his face heat up even more. Oh god, why the hell did he have to bring that up?! He could still remember the hotness of her breath against his face and the appealing and intoxicating way her hair smelled.

Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

He felt someone tugging on his arm in an unsure manner. His golden eyes met with Orihime's concerned gray ones. "Are you alright?" she asked, lips pressed downward together into a small frown.

"Wha? Yeah, sorry. Just spaced out." Edward seemed to remember his initial anger as an angry scowl was set on his face as he glanced around. "What happened to the guy that was here?"

Orihime smiled. "Oh, him? He left when I told him you were with me. Something about 'being lucky' or something."

Ed's brows scrunched down in confusion before shrugging. Whatever. As long as that bastard was gone. He was inches away from pummeling the asshole.

"I'm going to go try some things, Eddie," Orihime announced, her voice cutting into Ed's thoughts.

A blond brow rose, the young alchemist feeling somewhat suspicious. "Try what?"

Orihime clasped her hands together, smiling, bashfully. "There is a shop that sells alfredo chicken spaghetti that I really, really want to try!"

Ed stared at her, incredulously for a moment. "You just ate cake!"

"I know, but there's still lots of other foods I want to try!" she exclaimed, excitedly. The delightful joy, zesty exhilaration, and feverish passion was bouncing off of her in waves. It was contagious. Gray eyes sparkling in glee, and feet were bouncing uncontrollably, ready to take off.

Ed wondered if Orihime's unyielding excitement was from all the pieces of cake she just ate moments ago, or was she genuine giddy.

"Did you…?" He eyed her, skeptically. "Did you just want to come here for the food?" he asked, voice full of amusement, almost smirking.

Orihime blushed, sheepishly. "Not at first," she started, laughing, nervously. "But I say an add on all the latest food shops in Rush Valley, and I want to try them all!" she sang, enthusiastically.

Ed smirked, feeling her passionate energy. He was a bit hungry himself, so he wouldn't mind indulging the ginger haired girl. Hell, better than sitting around and listening to Winry gush about automail until his ears fell off.

And besides, he didn't want her roaming the streets alone, not after what happened just mere moments ago. He scowled, angrily at the thought, but quickly dismissed it just as fast.

"You know, I'm hungry, too. I'll go with you," the blond alchemist finally proclaimed, scratching the side of his head.

Gray eyes sparkled, excitably, a radiate aura forming around the ginger haired healer. "You will? Yay!"

Edward felt his face and neck heat up when Orihime unexpectedly glomped on him in the midst of her animated joy. He swore his face was as red as his coat. His mind was completely incoherent as he was too shocked for words. He could feel his heart pounding loudly against his ears.

She let out go, smiling, brightly at him. "Al!" Orihime called out to the suit of armor.

"Yeah?" Alphonse replied back in confusion, his metal body creaking as he turned around to face them.

"We're going to get something to eat, okay?" she announced, happily. "You can stay here with Winry."

Al stared upon two, swiftly taking note his older brother's immensely blushing face. "Have fun, you two!" he chuckled.

Ed frowned when heard a hint of amusement in his younger brother's tone. He opened his mouth, trying disgruntledly insist that this was not a date! Not doubt that was what his teasing, little brother was implying. He was tagging with her to get something to eat, and to make sure the males of this town know to keep their eyes and hands to themselves.

Nonetheless, he was instantly interrupted by the giddy auburn haired girl grabbing his hand, pulling him along. "C'mon, Eddie!"

Ed stuttered, incomprehensibly, the heat on his cheeks and ears rising to new levels. He could feel the softness of her hand under his flesh one, despite wearing gloves. Her hand was noticeably dainty and small compared to his.

Hearing Orihime softly humming to herself without a care in the world made Edward turn his lips upward into a small smile, obliviously unaware that she was still holding his hand. Maybe he could savor this blissful happiness. At least for a little while. Coming to Rush Valley wouldn't be as horrendous as he first thought it'd be, he thought, contently, fully lacing his hand around hers.

---

"There it is, Eddie!"

Orihime pointed an excited finger towards a small restaurant. Giggling in wondrous glee, she let go of Edward's hand and took a seat in one of the tables outside. Ed leisurely took his place across from her.

The ginger haired girl picked up a menu and looked at it through feverish, gray eyes. She couldn't stop bouncing in her seat. She was like a child waiting eagerly and impatiently for her favorite toy.

"You can stop bouncing, Orihime," Edward smirked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "The food is not going anywhere."

"I know," she pouted. "I just can't wait to try this spaghetti!"

He chuckled. "I think you ate way too much cake. You are more hyper than usual."

The auburn haired girl blushed, sheepishly, hiding her face behind the restaurant's menu like a little kid getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

Ed smirked, chuckling, softly to himself. It's always fun to tease her. Her reactions are really cute.

Just then the waiter arrived at their table. He was a tall, lean man with dark, shaggy brown hair and matching brown eyes. He looked to be in his early twenties.

"Hi, what may I get for you?" he drawled in a droned out voice. Only for his eyes to open as wide as saucers and his jaw to immediately drop when he spotted Orihime.

Edward glared at the brown haired waiter, his golden eyes burning, but the waiter paid him no mind. In fact, it seems as if he hadn't noticed the blond alchemist sitting across from the auburn haired healer to engrossed by her beauty.

The waiter grinned, sporting a flirty, cocky smile. "What can I get for you, young lady?" His whole tone in attitude changed from dull boredom to flirtatious titillation.

Orihime smiled, oblivious to his coy and amorous advances. Holding down her menu, she pointed at the item she was most excited to try. "I would like the alfredo chicken spaghetti, please?"

"Excellent, excellent choice." He leaned forward in an alluring way. "Maybe when I get off work, you and I can share a strand of spaghetti."

Orihime's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.

Ed's eye twitched, uncontrollably. There were several ticks popping against his forehead. "Shouldn't you be working instead of flirting?" he growled out, glaring, icily at the brown haired waiter.

The waiter spun his head around, apparently taken aback as if he just now noticed Edward sitting across the ginger haired girl. He did a quick double take between the two teens.

The blond alchemist's lips formed into an angry scowl at the incredulous expression on the waiter's face. This guy was really pissing him off!

The waiter seemed to regain his former composure, returning back his dulled out professionalism, although, he softly let out a disappointed sigh, which Ed picked up on, causing him to grit his teeth in aggravation.

"May I take your order, sir?" There was a venom like quip to his voice when he said 'sir'.

Edward wanted to yell at the ignorant waiter, rightfully shove his fist to his face, but his mind came up with a more devious solution. He smirked up at him in a victorious and taunting manner.

"Hurry and fetch me a plate of beef and spinach lo mein," Ed declared in a haunting manner. "So, that I could enjoy lunch with my beautiful friend." He smirked when he saw the waiter twitch before stomping back inside the restaurant.

With a dark, foreboding sense of satisfaction hitting him, Edward trained his golden gaze back on Orihime. He quirked a yellow brow when noticed how fidgety she was. Her face was flushed a deep scarlet red, and she was trying so hard not meet his gaze, shyly biting the bottom of her lip.

"What's wrong?" Ed asked, curiously.

Gray eyes glance up at him before she swiftly averted her gaze. She twiddled with her fingers, nervously.

"Y-you," she stuttered out, unable to form words.

"Me?" Ed was even more confused. Was it something he did? Was that why she was acting so weird? What did he do?

Orihime finally met Edward's gaze, a bashful and embarrassed expression on her facial features. "You… You called me 'beautiful'," she uttered out, so quietly, so silently that Ed barely heard it.

But he did. And now his own cheeks were darkening, inwardly cursing his teenage hormones. He wasn't thinking when said that. It just slipped out. He just wanted to get back at that stupid waiter. He knew he was jealous and wanted to rub it in. Now, he was fully and keenly aware of the gravity of his taunt.

Ed was left mortified and conflicted. If it was Winry, he would have taken back that compliment without hesitation, albeit with a wrench to the face as a consequence. But Orihime was sensitive. He didn't want to take his words back, especially if it would make her sad. Or worse, make her cry.

And… It's not like he was lying.

Dammit all! He seriously needed to concentrate on something else before his head explodes into a mess of awkward embarrassment and sheer humiliation.

Both teenagers were left with blushing faces, unable to form words, too shy, nervous, and embarrassed to.

When their food arrived, none of them said a word, eating in complete awkward silence.

---

While Winry was still busy geeking out about automail, looking inside a nearby automail shop, Alphonse decided to take a leisurely stroll around town. He had nothing better to do. Winry was shopping through automail as if she just won the jackpot at a lottery. And his brother and Orihime went out for lunch.

He heard a soft mew. He cranked his towards the source of the noise. Soon enough a black cat with a white under belly emerged from the cracks of the alley. It was small and a little chubby. It mewed once again, its slitted, green eyes staring up at him curiosity.

"Aw! You're cute," Alphonse cooed. He stretched his hand the cat. The cat's nose twitched as it began sniffing his gauntlet fingers. Once confirming Al was not dangerous, the cat licked his leathery fingers.

If Al had lips, he would smile, warmly. He gently stroked the cat's head and back, listening to it purr in delight.

"Al! Al! Where are you?"

He could hear Winry calling him. Guess, she must be done gleefully browsing the automails around here.

The suit of armor reluctantly waved goodbye to the cat. As much as he wanted the adorable, little animal, he knew Ed would never approve.

---

The walk back to their friends was rather awkward for the two young teens. They both sported light blushes on their faces. It was embarrassing enough when Edward unwittingly complimented Orihime, but every person that passed by assumed they were on a date. They still hear the awes and cooes about what a cute couple they make.

Ed stopped counting the number of times he lashed out at people, insisting that they were not dating. They were just friends having lunch together. What was so wrong about a boy and a girl going out to eat? Not to mention all the drooling idiots ogling Orihime like a pack of imbeciles. It took every sense of self control he had not to pummel those lustful perverts.

So much for a peaceful lunch.

"Um, Eddie?"

Orihime's timid voice broke Edward out of his vexed musings. Stopping in his tracks, he rose a brow at her, waiting for her to continue. She seemed quite flustered.

She nervously twirled a strand of her auburn hair. "I need to go pick up a package," she whispered, her cheeks turning bright pink in embarrassment.

"A package? What package?" Ed asked, confused. He became even more puzzled when the ginger haired started sputtering, incoherently.

Ed's jaw almost dropped at her highly unprecedented response. It was so unexpected, so out of left field that he was left standing there like a gaping idiot, dumbfounded at what to say.

She ran away from him!

She actually turned tail and left!

Edward honestly did not know how to respond to that. Truthfully, he could not be mad at her. He just couldn't. He wanted, but not a single fiber anger coursed through his being.

And it's not like he doesn't know she's doing. She said she needed to pick something up, right? She'd meet up him, Al, and Winry later.

Edward decide to head back to meet up with his brother and his mechanic. As he was walking, he noticed something shiny that caught his eye. He turned to see that there was a jewelry store right by him. An assortment of elegant rings, beautiful necklaces, stunning bracelets, and fancy earrings caught his attention.

The blond wondered if he should buy something for Orihime. Just the thought of purchasing a gift, a piece of jewelry no less, caused his face to heat up. It was nothing like that! Damn, his teenage hormones!

He was just trying to make up for the disastrous lunch they had. It was supposed be a nice, quiet, peaceful eat out between friends, then a bunch of perverted idiots and noisy morons had to ruin!

He was only doing something nice to make up for that catastrophe because she seemed a bit down ever since, he sincerely convinced himself as he entered the store.

The cashier, he believed was a woman, greeted him as he entered. He simply nodded his head in acknowledgement, too busy browsing through bijouterie.

They were so many wonderful jewelry, but none of them caught his attention. Which one would Orihime like?

Then he paused, his face scrunching up a bit in contemplation. Does Orihime even like jewelry? He doesn't really know. He'd never seen her wear any jewelry.

The blond boy gazed upon the handsomely crafted skull shaped earrings that caught his attention. His mouth formed into a grin. These were perfect. So beautiful and badass!

He was admiring the devilishly crafted earrings, grinning ear to ear. No doubt she would love these! Look at how awesome it is! There's no way she would so no to something so utterly, wonderfully magnificent.

Then, for a split second, an image of Winry berating him for his 'poor' choice of style. He could hear Al also disapprovingly putting in his own input. A displease scowl began to form on his lips.

Why was everyone so against his style of fashion? Don't they know good taste when they see it?

He blew out an exasperated and annoyed sigh. As much as he didn't want, he had to choose a second option.

Once again, he found himself through the many pairs of earrings. At the end of the day, he decided to get Orihime a pair of earrings. He used to buy Winry earrings...until she went crazy with them, and started drilling her ears full of holes for every pair. He shuddered at the thought. Her ears liked look someone had a vendetta against them.

The blond wondered if Orihime would do something just as crazy? Nah, she was more sensible than Winry. Quickly, he held back on that thought, remembering how eccentric the ginger haired healer could get. Well, sometimes. Depends on the topic.

Edward did not know how long he's been at it for, all he knew was that he wanted to bang his head against the wall. It's been here for fifteen minutes and he still hadn't choosing a damn gift for Orihime! Maybe he should go and ask Al or Winry. They are better at picking out jewelry than he is.

Immediately, when that thought crossed his mind, Ed vehemently shook his head. No way in hell was he crawling to his brother and mechanic in defeat, admitting that he can't pick out a simple pair of earrings. Besides, he didn't want them to know they were for Orihime. He could the crude teasing and insulting remarks that would ensue.

No, he had to do this himself! For two reasons. One, to save face, and, two, he already dug his own grave when he entered the shop, he would feel like an ass if he left with nothing.

For a third time, and, hopefully, this would be the last time, his golden gaze roamed the earring section. He kept searching and exploring until his gaze landed on a pair of rose stud earrings. They were small and rosy pink in color. They were certainly look good with Orihime's flower shaped hair clips. They have the floral theme going on.

Nodding his head in a decisive manner, Ed settled for the pair of rose stud earrings. Besides, they were kind of cute. He wondered how they would look on Orihime. He blushed, shaking his head. Man, he needed to get out of here!

He lifted the small that contained the chosen set of earrings, and headed towards the cashier. He discreetly placed them on a counter, feeling a wave of embarrassment hit him. Why was he here? Then he kept reminding himself, almost like an encouraging chat, this was for Orihime.

"Did you finally pick something out for your girlfriend?" the cashier smiled at him.

Ed's face darkened. "This isn't for my girlfriend!" he yelled at her in both anger and embarrassment. "This is just for a friend."

The cashier gave him a knowing smile. "She must be very special. You were struggling for quite a while picking out a pair of earrings for her." The way she said that made it feel like that was an understatement. Perhaps, she wanted to use words like 'hopeless', 'agonizing', or 'torture', but she had mindful of her words, otherwise, she would probably lose him, a potential customer.

Edward didn't reply back, too mortified to, his face already red as a ripe tomato.

The cashier checked in the item, leading Ed to place the amount of money on the table. He quickly grabbed the small box and stuffed it down his pockets like his life depended on it before hurriedly heading out the door. A sense of gratifying relief washing over him when that nightmare was over.

---

"Hey, brother!"

Edward perked up at the sound of his younger brother's voice and subsequent clanking as his metal feet hit the ground as he jogged.

"Yo, Al," Ed casually greeted him once he was standing about a foot away from him. "So, where's Winry, Al?"

"Oh, she found another automail shop on the way here. Where's Orihime, brother?" Al asked. Ed could hear the amused smirk in his tone.

He glared at his armored brother, his eyebrow twitching in annoyance. "Whatever the hell you are thinking, Al, stop it," he hissed through clenched teeth. After that disastrous fiasco in the jewelry store, he wasn't going through another round of insufferable humiliation.

He breathed out a sigh to calm himself down. "She went to go pick up a package of something."

Al tilted his head in confusion. "A package? She never told us she had a package coming. I wonder what it could be?" he pondered, thoughtfully.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Al!" They heard Winry's voice calling out to them as she waved in their direction. "I see you've found Ed!"

Ed twitched. "Don't even start," he grumbled, sensing a short comment approaching. "We should probably start looking for Orihime. I want to get out of this insane town as soon as possible."

Winry narrowed her blue eyes at him, looking offended. "It's Rush Valley! The home of automail! There's nothing insane about it, Ed!"

"Yeah, yeah," the blond alchemist brushed her off. "Whatever you say. Crazy gearhead," he mumbled under his breath.

He uncovered parts of his automail arm. This town was damn hot, and having automail wasn't helping him to cool down. The metal was practically burning his skin. He sighed covering his automail back up.

"Hey, kid!"

Edward immediately tensed.

Oh, crap! This was not good!

The next thing he knew he was surrounded by pesky automail freaks asking him to show his automail. His pained refusal fell on deaf ears on he was forcibly stripped from his clothes.

It took him frantically screaming and yelling, furiously his fists around.

"THIS IS WHY I HATE THIS TOWN!" Edward exploded, enraged.

Face red with anger and fury, he threw his pants back on. However, he paled instantly, turning as white as a sheet as he felt the pockets of his leather black pants, only to come up empty handed.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Alphonse asked, noticing Ed's panicked expression.

"I-i-it's gone," he muttered in utter dismay.

"What?" the blonde mechanic inquired, confusingly.

"My silver pocket watch…!" Ed elaborated. "It's gone!" he practically screamed in alarm, horrifyingly shocked to find to his precious State Alchemist watch had vanished. And that wasn't the only thing missing. His gift for Orihime, something he spent slaving over for hours in internal agony trying to hopelessly decide, was also gone!

Once the distressing news registered, Alphonse and Winry both joined in shrieking in perturbed bewilderment.

"It sounds like you've been hit by Paninya."

Edward immediately stopped his panicked yelling, golden eyes desperate and hopeful. His feet scurried up to the two men. "Do you know where this 'Paninya' girl is?" he questioned them, urgently. "She took something important!"

The men provided gleeful smirks.

"Let's see, where is she again?"

"I know what might jog my memory…"

"IF I COULD HAVE ONE MORE LOOK AT YOUR AUTOMAIL!" They both exclaimed in absolute joy and gratification, hearts shining in their eyes.

Ed had it!

His golden orbs narrowed into dangerous slits. If looks could kill these men would burning in the pit of fiery hell. Edward had no time for this bullshit! With his tempered erupted with a force of a volcano, he instantaneously transmuted automail arm into a menacingly sharp blade, a dark aura of malice and death surrounding him.

The two men squeaked in fright, their faces sweating bullets. "The automail shop run by an engineer named Dominic!"

After explaining the directions to Dominic's shop, the two men left, cowering in fear.

Edward promptly threw on the rest of his clothes, minus the red coat.

"Shouldn't we look for Orihime first?" Winry suggested, feeling quite worried. Her cause of concern was soon answered.

"Um, s-sorry to keep you waiting guys."

Edward, Alphonse, and Winry spun their heads around to see Orihime standing about a meter away. She was a holding a small, but not too small package in one hand and a plastic bag in the other.

"Orihime! Good, you're here! C'mon! We got a thief to catch!" Edward announced, gravely. His face scrunched up in confusion when she averted her gray eyes away from his golden ones, her cheeks staining a light pink color.

"What's wrong, Orihime?" he asked, concerned.

She shied away from him, her hands timidly fidgeting with her bags. She was trying so hard to not look at him.

Was she still embarrassed over what happened during lunch? He was planning to make it up to her, but his gift was stolen, he deflated.

"Orihime? About lunch…," he started, not sure how to complete that sentence.

"It's not that, Eddie," Orihime cut him, chewing on her bottom lip, nervously. Her shy and timid gaze met his, her cheeks still dusted a light shade of pink. "I-I j-j-just never seen this side of you. Sorry, it's just so unexpected."

He rose a curious brow at that. So, she wasn't upset about lunch? "What side of me?" he questioned, urging her to elaborate.

She started fidgeted, her fingers playing the fabric of her shorts. "Well...uh…" She averted her gaze. Red faced, she bashfully hid her face behind her hands. "I didn't know...that you were an...ex-ex-exhibitionist, Eddie!" she sputtered out, completely flustered.

"WHAT?!" Edward's face turned bright red as he could only stand there frozen in dumbfounded, bewildered, embarrassed, and quite nonplussed.

Alphonse and Winry were just as absurdly appalled as Ed. This was shockingly unexpected! That Orihime… Sweet, innocent, good natured Orihime was actually thought that Ed was… All of time came to an abrupt halt. It felt as if hell froze over. She came up with a conclusion so insanely nonsensical that they had to hear to believe it! What in god's name made her think Ed was doing something so...inappropriate?!

Winry had to bite the bottom of her lips to keep from bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter, fingering out the reason behind Orihime's shyness. "Don't we have a pickpocket to chase down?"

Her inquire snapped the rest of them from their stunned reaction.

Edward, still bright red, did a quick glance back at Orihime, not sure of how to deal with that for the moment before addressing Winry. "R-right. We should get going."

Orihime only hummed in confusion.

The group of teenagers were completely unaware of a pair of slitted, green eyes watching them.

---

If the town was hot, walking through the mountainside was fucking worse! The sun was practically scorching their bones! They clothes were sticking hideously repudently to their skin. Their hairs started to become grossly wet, disgustingly matted to their faces and necks. The only one saved from this heat inducing torture was Al.

Winry groaned, tiredly. "Apparently, he lives deep in the mountains because he could find the highest quality ore around here. Are you absolutely sure we're going in the right direction? Because those engineers could've tricked us."

"What are you complaining about?" Edward snapped at her, the heat causing his already foul mood to worsen.

"My fault?!" the blonde mechanic shouted at him, furiously and appalled. "You're the one dumb enough to let his watch get stolen!"

Orihime glanced between the two arguing childhood friends, an expression of worry and unease etched on her face. She silently and meticulously patted both of their heads, hoping to calm them down.

Ed and Winry felt very awkward by the gesture, but didn't comment.

"Hey! Isn't that the girl?"

They all snapped their heads towards Alphonse to see his finger pointing outward. They traced the direction his finger was pointing to see a dark skinned girl with short black hair running across the bridge. There was something shiny gleaming in her hand.

It was Ed's silver pocket watch!

"I GOT YOU NOW!" Edward roared with murderous glee.

A stream of transmuted mountaintops followed suit as Ed used them as a stepping stones to chase after the pickpocket. Al chased after him, planning to lent a helping hand to aid his older brother in retrieving his watch.

"We should probably go and follow them, Orihime," Winry said, only to see that her ginger haired friend was facing the other direction. She looked a bit dazed as it seemed that her attention was drawn somewhere else.

Orihime let out a startled yelp when she felt someone tap her shoulder. She craned her neck her around to see Winry giving her an apologetic look.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," the blonde girl apologized. "What were you looking at anyway? You seemed kind of distracted." Her blue eyes gazed over the mountains to see if she could spot anything out of the ordinary, only to detect nothing.

"Oh!" The auburn haired girl let out a sheepish smile. "I thought I saw something. It must've been my imagination."

Winry placed her hands on her hips. "We should probably chase after those two idiots before the do something stupid." She grabbed the other girl's wrist, pulling her along.

Orihime nodded her head, absentmindedly. She knew whatever she felt was not her imagination. There was a spike of spiritual pressure nearby. At first she thought there may have been a Hollow nearby. She thought this was one of more intelligent ones compared to the previous ones she fought besides the one that appeared in Dr. Marcoh's small town, clevering hiding presence to avoid being detected by people who could sense spirit energy.

That's what she initially thought. However, she didn't feel the same dark, oppressive aura that many Hollows have. In fact, it didn't feel like a Hollow's, at all. It was too faint, subdued, and self effacing. Maybe it was just lost soul. Either way, she couldn't feel anymore, so she couldn't go looking for it. For now.

Orihime was too deep in thought to notice that the pickpocket was already caught. She bit the inside of her mouth to keep from screaming when she felt someone's hand on her shoulder. Her gray eyes to see Edward staring at her with worry and confusion.

"Didn't you hear the lady?" Ed gestured to a pregnant woman with short brown hair standing at the doorway. "She invited us to her house."

Orihime's cheeks immediately heated up as flashbacks of Edward in nothing but his boxers entered her mind. She felt a rush of embarrassment and let out loud, panicky squeal, frantically running inside the house.

Ed could only stare after her, wide eyed and vastly baffled. "What did I do?" he muttered, hopelessly to himself.

---

Orihime, Edward, and Alphonse stood by and witnessed Winry geeking out over the pickpocket's, Paninya's, automail. Ed tried in vain to request for the return of his watch, but his words fell on deaf ears.

"By the way, I never asked, but what's in the bags, Orihime?" Alphonse asked, turning his attention towards the ginger haired healer.

"Oh, this?" She held up the bag in her left hand. She opened it up, showing him and Ed its content. It was filled with an assortment of colorful fabric, vibrant threads, pretty decorations, and cute ornaments. "I had an idea to make a gift for Nina!" she beamed, happily.

"What's in the box?" Edward asked, curiously pointing at the package in Orihime's other hand.

Her face immediately heats up at the question. Absolutely flustered, she holds the package close to her chest, letting out small squeaks of embarrassment, much to the confusion of the boys.

Before Edward could question her further, Winry called him over. "Ed, come over here, and take off your clothes," she requested, innocently. "I want to show Mr. Dominic your automail."

Ed grumpily mumbled, obeying Winry's request. He had no choice, if he didn't want to receive a wrench to the face for his defiance.

The auburn haired girl watched as the blond boy began taking off his leather jacket. Her mind flashbacked to Ed standing nearly stark naked in nothing but his light blue boxers in the middle of the street. She essentially had a good look at his chest and body. Despite his short stature, he had a very well sculpted build. Sporting a six pack, for crying out loud! The sheen of his sweat combined with the rays of the sun made his skin glisten beautifully.

She had never seen a guy in just his boxers before! It was mind numbingly overwhelming! She had seen Ichigo shirtless a few times, but he was always wearing pants! Never in his boxers!

Her face, neck, and ears practically turned several shades of red as steam blew out of her ear. She was horrifyingly embarrassed at where her thoughts were leading her. She let out a loud squeal, startling everyone in the room.

"Orihime? What's wrong?"

Gray eyes shifted, nervously to be confronted with a shirtless Edward in all his half naked glory.

Another resultant girlish shriek erupted through the house followed by a powerful slap.

Ed was lying limp on the floor, a bright, red mark on his face. Orihime herself ran away like a frightened rabbit, her face flustered with fear and embarrassment.

Alphonse stood there, absolutely confused by the turn of events while Edward, previously immobilized, slowly stood up and tenderly wiped his newly bruised cheek, his yellow brows sketched downward, mystified.

Winry couldn't contain her laughter anymore as she burst into a fit of mad giggles. Once her laughter died down until she was nearly losing her breath, she beckoned Ed over.

The blond alchemist rolled his eyes before angrily ripping his pants off. He sat down on a wooden crate, grumbling to himself. "I just don't get it. What's her problem?"

The blonde mechanic stifled another giggle. She cupped her hand up to his ear, her lips smirking against the appendage.

Al couldn't hear what Winry whispered to his brother since he wasn't within hearing shot, but whatever she said caused his whole face and body to turn bright red. There was steam coming out of his head, an expression of intense humiliation and utter embarrassment etched on his face.

He tilted his head, becoming even more curious on what their childhood friend said to him.

Edward, on the other, mechanically let Dominic take a look at his automail arm and leg. Winry's words were replying over and over again his head like an abashing symphony.

"Yeah, every girl gets ridiculously shy and flustered if they see a guy in nothing but his boxers standing in the middle of the street."

---

Orihime found herself in a random room of the house, the door closed behind her. Her face was completely flushed with embarrassment, and her heart wouldn't stop pounding.

She couldn't believe she did that! She didn't mean to! It was a reflex!

The ginger haired head down on the desk, covering her face out of shame and self consciousness. Accident or not, she had to apologize to Ed for slapping him like that. But not now! She couldn't face him now!

With all that cleared out of the way, mostly, Orihime opened the plastic bag, dumping its contents on the counter. "I really hope nobody minds if I use this room for a while," she inwardly thought.

She stared at her package in her other hand, sighing in relief. She couldn't the brothers see what's inside this box. The custom made bras she ordered finally came in. She requested them about a few days before they left Central. The last time she ordered a bra she was only able to receive one. She didn't want to spend so much of Ed's money when he was being so generous in allowing her to buy new clothes.

But boy, custom made bras were more expensive than store bought ones. Makes sense since a lot of preparations is made into it. The measurements, cup sizes, the materials, the kind of fabric, and how much of it, not to mention the design, too. The only reason in store ones are cheaper is because they are already premade.

And now that she finally had some money, thanks to her modeling, the ginger haired girl was able to order more bras. That was good because she highly two bras was going to cut it.

She quietly slipped the package inside her pink backpack, deciding to up it open another time. Out of her bag, she pulled out the usual midnight blue scarf she was working on. She already declared she would make a present for Nina. She was thinking of perhaps some cute hair ribbons would do. But she wanted to finish this scarf first since it was nearing completion. All she needed was to add a few designs to it. What to add was the question.

After mulling over for a few moments, an idea finally came to her, and she began preparations. Setting aside a pair of black and dark red threads she commenced working on her little, personal project.

The world seemed to disappear around her as Orihime silently worked on the scarf, softly humming to herself.

This scarf was a gift for Ichigo. He's been feeling pretty down lately. He was not himself the last time she saw him. He was...unhappy and incredibly agitated. She was hoping this scarf would cheer him.

That was the idea in the beginning, but she didn't know things would turn out this way. She didn't know she would trapped in another world. Conversely, it isn't all that bad. She got to meet Edward, Alphonse, Winry, Nina, and so many wonderful people.

Still though, this scarf the auburn haired girl was working on is very special to her. That's why she decided to make it by hand instead of buying one. She poured her feelings into every stitch, conveying her thoughts into every design. There were a lot of things she wanted to say, things she would usually be too scared or shy to voice out loud. The ginger haired girl wanted to convey a great deal of emotions, words she wanted to express.

But most of all, she wanted to say 'thank you'.

"Oh! There you are!"

Orihime let out a slightly startled squeal, stopping her needlework and cranking her head around in surprise to see Paninya standing there.

Her lips curled up into a sheepish smile. "Oh, hi. Can I help you?"

"What are you doing?" Paninya asked, curiously leaning over her shoulder. "Is that a scarf?" she wondered in awe.

"Why, yes, it is," the auburn haired girl replied with a light laugh. "This is just a gift for a friend. I made it myself."

"Wow! Cool!" the dark skinned exclaimed in amazement. She picked up the midnight blue scarf, gently holding the long cloth in her hands. "You can knit? That's amazing!"

Orihime rubbed the back of her head, nervously, shyly blushing. "It's nothing really."

Just then, Alphonse poked his head inside the room.

"Oh, what's up, Al?" Paninya asked the metal boy, placing the scarf back on the desk.

Al, for his part, looked extremely nervous and agitated and incredibly fearful. "Guys! Satella is having her baby!" he suddenly announced, the panic clear in his hollowed voice.

Both girls blinked in confusion, trying to process his words. Until finally Paninya screamed, shockingly alarmed. "What?!"

---

Everyone was gathered around Satella's bedside with various expressions of fear, anxiety, and panic. Dominic already went to get a doctor since it was thundering out, and Satella couldn't go out in her condition.

Orihime was as scared as everyone else, nevertheless, she also knew she couldn't just sit still and do nothing. No way! There was no time for that! She had to do something to ease Satella's pain until the doctors arrive. She clenched her fist at her side, determinedly.

Pulling up a chair, the auburn haired girl sat by the brown haired woman's bedside. She could feel all eyes on her, silently and full of curiosity, wondering on what she was planning to do.

She took a deep breath, tenderly placing her hand on the woman's stomach. She could do this. Believe it or not, she had seen quite a few babies born before, thanks to her connection to all sorts of people in the medical profession.

She tried sensing the baby's spirit energy through the womb. It was very faint, but it was there. Good.

Wait a second… The ginger haired healer slowly traced her fingers to the upper levels of the Satella's pregnant belly. She felt another faint trace of spirit energy inside the young woman's tummy. But that couldn't be possible. Unless…

"Mrs. Satella? Are you having twins?"

The whole atmosphere of the room froze upon taking in her shocking question.

"What? Twins?!" the brown haired woman cried out in a panic.

"The doctor said were only have one baby!" Ridel exclaimed, frighteningly. "He never said anything about having twins! We aren't prepared to raise two babies!"

Screams of panic and disarray began filling the room. Two boys?! Dear god, two babies?!

"Everyone! Please, calm down!" Orihime cried out through all the yelling and screaming.

She tenderly held the brown haired woman's hand, trying to reassure her as much as possible. It was good for the soon to be mother to remain completely calm at all times. Any sort of stress or anxiety could affect the babies health.

"Mistakes like these happen all the time, Mrs. Satella," Orihime assured her, calmly. "It's not unusual for a doctor to make these kinds of mistakes. But if you don't relax, you could affect the babies' health."

Stella slowly nodded her head, the look of concern and apprehension on her face.

"Now, the problem is how do we get them both out?"

There was resonating sound of shocked and startled gasps filled the room.

Satella started to hyperventilate while Ridel became hysterical about the doctor not arriving yet. Ed and Al weren't helping matters, screaming like a couple scared, little children. Makes sense this was probably the first time they were witnessing a mother give birth. Winry was trying to remain calm, but Orihime could see how tense she was. And Paninya stared at Satella with a look of unease and consternation plastered on her face.

"Is there is no way to get them out?" The fear in the woman's dark blue eyes was clearly evident.

Orihime gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mrs. Satella. We would get them out. We would get them both out."

"You know...how to deliver a baby?" Ridel asked, tone riddled with worry and anxiety.

"Yes...and no," she replied, vaguely.

She remembered after the Winter War, Captain Unohana requesting her assistance in helping to treat the injured Soul Reapers because Squad Four was short of stuff. With her excellent healing abilities, she was assigned to the more difficult cases. And during that time, there were a couple of Soul Reapers and souls that lived in the Rukongai region of the Soul Society. She was able to quickly learn how to assist a laboring mother, thanks to Captain Unohana's help.

But do Soul Reapers count as humans? They look human and sound human, but are they human? Probably not, she quickly concluded. They don't identify themselves as human. Plus, that would mean Arrancars are human as well, if one ignores the partial mask and gapping, black hole on their bodies.

Urgh! She's thinking too much on this when she really should be concentrating on Satella. Soul Reapers aren't human. And that's final!

Orihime's gray glanced over to see the various expressions of confused faces staring at her. She wanted to smack herself for her previous vague response. "Do. Not. Mention. Soul Reaper. Business," she inwardly chastised herself.

"What do you mean by 'yes and no'?" Ridel voiced out the question that was puzzling everyone. "Have you done this or not?"

"...Technically, I have," Orihime drawled out, slowly, not sure how exactly to answer his questions. She has deliver babies, just not human babies.

"What's that supposed to mean? Why can't you give a straight answer?"

Orihime could see the soon to be father becoming hysterical. Maybe her wording wasn't that best idea. Time to go for the half truth.

"I have delivered babies before," she said as simple as that. That seemed to calm the man down, as he took that as a 'yes', she does know how to deliver a baby.

"But this…," she started. "This would be a bit different. A bit more crude," she said in a warning tone.

"What do you mean by that?" Satella questioned, voice full of dread and puzzlement.

Orihime's eyes gazed at everyone in the room, her gray orbs landing on each and every one of them. "Listen up, everyone!" she addressed them in a calm and confident tone. "Please, I would need the help of each and every one of you! We are going to be operating a C section."

"A C section?" Winry uttered, confused. "What's that?"

That was Orihime was afraid of. No one here knows about C sections. Of course. C sections won't become a thing until a couple of decades from now.

A shiver of anxiety and fear slithered up her spine on how she was going to explain what a C section, but she swiftly stomped that hesitation down. This was no time for second thoughts!

"It's another way to deliver a baby," she informed them, calmly. "It's different than the normal way. We are going to have to cut the mother's belly open, and take the baby from inside." She decided to keep the explanation short and simple.

"WHAT?!" Exclaims of shock and shrieks of horror and distress filled the room.

"Cut Satella's stomach open?! We can't do that, Orihime!" Alphonse protested, fearfully.

"Where the fuck did you get crazy idea like that?!" Edward joined, his eyebrows furrowed into an furious frown.

"That's why I said it would be a bit more crude than what you are normally used to," she shouted back, voice firm and poised. "It would be easy to get the first baby out, but what I noticed is that the second baby is positioned in a way that would make extremely difficult, perhaps unsafe for Mrs. Satella to birth it the usual way. This is why I need you guys' help, too!"

She stared at them, all of them dead in the eye, no signs of fear or hesitation. There was nothing but the strong, intense feeling of conviction and determination in her gray orbs. "We don't have time to argue with each other. We have to do this now. There is no other choice! You all are just going to have to trust me."

She received a round of hesitant nods in response.

Orihime fisted her hands at her side. She had to the C section. As long as she feel the babies' faint spirit energy inside their mother, she was certain she would know their positions at all times.

"We won't succeed unless we try!" she shouted, determinedly.

Her gaze immediately landed on Alphonse. "Al! Go get my bag! I left it in that room earlier. You remember where is, don't you?"

"Uh, r-right," Al said, unsure. "I'm on it!" He hurried out of the room, doing as Orihime requested.

"Eddie, I need you to transmute some sheets for me. Oh, and an apron, too. Make sure they are all clean."

"Yeah, sure." Ed left for his task as well, not before giving a backwards glance at Orihime. There was just something about her. He's never seen her so determined before. The fire in her eyes was radiantly brightly throughout her whole being. It almost reminded him of the time she protected him from Scar. That same unyielding determination.

"Paninya, towels."

"On it!"

"Mr. Ridel, I'm going to need some disinfectant."

"R-right!"

"Winry, you know a little bit about human biology and health, right? Could you help me with this? I don't think I could do this myself."

Winry stared at Orihime's stern and resolute face. But her blue orbs gazed down to her clenched fists to see them shaking, trembling at her sides. She was nervous, but she didn't want to show for everyone else's sake.

The blonde mechanic let out a small smile, her heart thumping wildly with anxiety and apprehension. The nervous sweats on her hands were beginning to make them clammy.

"...Yeah," she finally replied, trying her best to keep her voice even and confident. "I know a little about health and medicine. My parents were doctors, so I grew up reading medical books."

The ginger haired girl sighed out a breath she was holding, a slight sense of relief washing over her face.

Just then, Al burst back into the room, carrying Orihime's pink bag. Ed followed behind, several handful of sheets in his hands.

"Here's your bag, Orihime," Alphonse announced, handing her bag to her. She nodded, grabbing it and unzipping it.

"And here are the sheets," Edward added. "What do you want me to do with them?"

"I want you to use them to make a curtain around Mrs. Satella's bed," she instructed.

Ed nodded in an affirmative manner. He got to work on hanging up the sheets with his younger brother offering his help.

Orihime pulled out the small emergency first aid kit she always kept with her. It was rare that she would ever need it. She would always just resort to her Soten Kisshun. However, after that incident, she realized her powers may not be able to heal everything, just like right now, so opted to learn some things about medicine. After she gets the twins out, she could use her Soten Kisshun to heal Satella's stomach closed.

She pulled out a couple of scalpels and some gloves. She inwardly noted she was going to need more gloves and rubbing alcohol as she currently had none. Why didn't she buy some sooner, she inwardly chastised herself as she opened the small box of needles she keeps.

Mrs. Satella stared at the strange syringe in her hand with anxious eyes. "What is that?" she asked, flinching through the pain just as Ridel arrived with the disinfectant and Paninya with the towels.

"This is an anesthetic," the auburn haired healer simply explained. "I'm going to use it to numb the area around your stomach, Mrs. Satella. I'm sure you don't want to feel the pain of your stomach being cut open, and also you want to see your babies being born. I have a powerful one that supposed to make you fall asleep, if you prefer that."

"No, no, that's fine," the brown haired woman grunted. Another slightly pained yelp erupted from. "Just hurry. I don't think these babies are going to wait any longer."

Orihime solemnly nodded her head. "Listen up, everyone!" Everyone paused as she addressed them. "If there's anyone who can't stand the sight of blood or gore, please leave now."

As soon as the mention of blood and gore came up, Paninya squealed in disgust, turning a repulsive green as an image of Orihime cutting Satella open crossed her mind as she finally registered she was going to do it any minute now, right here, right now. She didn't needed be told twice to get out the of room as she slammed the door behind her with a soft 'bang'.

Ridel seemed uncomfortably conflicted. He didn't know if he could stay in this room either, but he wanted to be by his wife's side, so his feet were rooted to the ground.

"Uh, what should we do now?" Alphonse wondered, a sense of apprehension in his tone. Edward had the same look of worry and uncertainty.

"You guys can make sure we always have a bowl of clean hot water at the ready. You can help Mr. Ridel clean the babies once we get them out," she instructed.

The Elric brothers nodded in understanding.

"Okay, everyone, wash your hands! We are going to get started now!"

---

Edward just watched as Orihime got to work after throwing on an aprons and some gloves. He felt an overwhelming sense of uncertainty course through him. He didn't know what think. His face crinkled as he listened to the sickeningly sound of skin being torn up. He couldn't see it, thanks to the makeshift curtain blocking his view, but the repulsive sound and the iron smell of blood made him feel incredibly uneasy and an unpleasant degree of nausea hit him.

Once again, he was reminded of how useless he is. Just like that time with Scar and Nina. For all his alchemical knowledge, he had no comprehension or understanding of how to deliver a baby. Hell, he didn't know what to do to help a laboring woman.

Here he was, revered as a child prodigy, but when it really counts, he couldn't do shit.

"Brother, it's okay." Alphonse's voice snapped him out of loathsome, self deprecating musings. The suit of armor stared straight ahead, hands locked into a prayer. "We are just going to have to trust Orihime. Just like that time with Nina."

Ed's brows furrowed with the feeling of discomfort and helplessness, but he knew his younger brother was right. All they could do was trust Orihime. "I know, Al. I know."

Hours and hours have passed with the anxiously waiting, stomaching the sounds of flesh being ripped up.

"Eddie!"

Edward, startled, jumped at the sound of his name being called. "Yes?" he replied, hesitantly.

"Put on some gloves and come here."

Feeling confused and extremely uneasy, he did as told, wondering what Orihime needed his help for. After putting as gloves as she beseeched him, he popped inside the curtain the curtain separating Satella's abdomen from the rest of her body.

"Wha-?" Ed's question was immediately cut off by the sight before him. The sight that greeted him was repulsively horrifying. He felt the disgusting sense of bile and nausea churn inside his stomach.

Satella's stomach was torn wide open. He could undeniably see the sickeningly pink substance of her inner flesh. If he stared hard enough, he could surely see her inner organs. No doubt if Satella could feel the pain, she would have died from shock long ago.

The blond alchemist glanced up too see Orihime giving him a stern look, but there was glint of apology in her gray orbs. She was covered in blood and so was Winry. And the remaining sheets that were used to cover the floor was also splattered in red liquid.

Speaking of Winry, Ed could see her trying to put on a brave face, but the underlying fear and anxiety was clear in her blue eyes. She was trembling a bit out of nervousness. He couldn't blame her. Three people's lives hang on this.

"Eddie!"

Edward snapped his head towards the urgent sound of Orihime's voice.

"Could you pry the baby out?"

His golden eyes completely bugged out at what she was imploring. Him, pull the baby out?! Him?!

"I don't have any retractors with me, so me and Winry are trying carefully to keep her stomach open," the auburn haired girl elaborated.

He just now noticed their hands keeping the skin apart. He hesitantly stepped forward. She gently instructed to guide his flesh hand underneath all the meat.

He was shaking, trembling. He was so scared! What if he messed up? What if he screwed up by accidentally killing the baby?

He paused when he felt something warm upon his own hand, despite the gloves. He glanced over at Orihime, but her eyes was focused only on Satella's underbelly, her uterus.

"It's okay." She squeezed his hand, gently in a figure of reassurance. "I'm right here with you. Don't give up."

He felt something swell inside him. He remembered this feeling. It's been such a long time since he felt like this. This light hearted of feeling happiness and calming, passionate sense of satisfaction. He hasn't felt like this since his mother used to praise him and his brother for talent in alchemy.

He nodded his head, tentatively, and slowly and gently guided his hand inside.

"Once you feel the head, bring the baby out slowly," Orihime instructed. "Be very gentle."

He bobbed his head once again before doing as told. He was still, oh so, very nervous. A quench of unease settled inside him. But hearing Orihime's encouraging words, her strong belief in him made him feel calm and collected, a sense of an unflappable serenity.

What felt like hours only took a few minutes before Edward felt something big and soft. He also felt stubbles of damp hair. He wondered if that must be the baby. With his face set into a grim determination, he gently ushered whatever it was he was holding out.

What he tenderly dragged out made his golden eyes to become wide with shock and disbelief. His heart thumping widely in ecstatic delight as the baby's cries echoed throughout the room.

"It's a baby!" Ed's mind roared euphoric, awe inspiring fascination and wonder with at the little birth of miracle he was holding. "It's actually a baby! He helped to deliver it!"

Orihime smiled at him, approvingly, proud, gray eyes glowing in admiration. "Good! It's a boy. Go take him to Mr. Ridel, and get him cleaned."

Smiling brightly to himself, Edward carefully carried the tiny infant in his arms. He showed Ridel his brown haired newborn son. The black haired man's eyes burned with tears of joy as he ushered Ed over to help him clean his newly born son.

They carefully scrubbed the blood off the baby. They could hear the echoing sound of Alphonse's footsteps approaching them.

"Oh my gosh! It's really a baby!" Al softly exclaimed in captivated amazement.

His older brother grinned back at him. "You see, Al! We were able to witness a birth of a miracle!"

Al craned his head. "Yeah!"

This time, Winry approached them, carrying the second infant. It was a black haired baby girl. The second one was quieter than the first.

"This is the second twin. A beautiful baby girl!" she announced, happily holding the baby up to the new father.

"Thanks," Ridel with delighted joy.

"Where's Orihime?" Ed wondered.

Winry threw her thumb back in response. "She's healing Satella's wound right now."

Ed's golden gaze glanced over to where her pointed at to see the bright yellowish orange glow of Orihime's Soten Kisshun.

"Orihime's amazing, isn't she?" Winry commented, proudly.

Edward smiled, his golden eyes shining with warmth and admiration. "She sure is."

---

It was about half an hour later when the doctor arrived to check on the twins. "The babies are happy and healthy. You did an excellent job in delivering them," the doctor praised Orihime.

Orihime laughed, lightly, subconsciously rubbing the back of her head. "It was nothing really. I couldn't have done it with the help of all of my friends."

"Where did you learn how to deliver a baby, Orihime?" Alphonse asked, curiously.

"I have a few friends that have fathers that own a clinic and a hospital. And since I hang out with them a lot, I've picked up on a few things," she explained.

"Well, you certainly are a natural. They taught you quite well. Have you ever considered becoming a doctor?" the doctor questioned.

"Oh, no," she replied, candidly. "I mean I thought about, but I'm not sure it's something I want to do."

Edward watched with a small smile as Orihime chatted it up with the doctor and the new parents as they gave her constant praise. His yellow brows as he felt a tug on his sleeve. He glanced down to see Winry kneeling before him.

"Could you carry me to the other room, Ed?" Winry asked, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

The blond alchemist did as she requested, and carried her on his back, leading her to the other.

"It's humiliating to be carried by a boy who's smaller than me," Winry grumbled.

"I could easily drop you, you know," Ed retorted, irritably as he propped up a chair.

"Ed?" she muttered out, her tone filled with regret.

"What is it?" he inquired.

"I saw it… The engraving inside your pocket watch," she admitted, apologetically.

She what?!

There was an intensely still moment of silence before Ed unceremoniously dropped Winry on the ground. She cried out in pain, tenderly rubbing her bruised bottom.

"You forced it open?" he breathed out, strangely calm.

Winry's blue eyes glanced down in shame. "Yeah, I'm sorry."

There was a short pause before the blond boy let out a small sigh. He helped her up, and they both settled down on a chair.

"I never shown that to anyone. Not even Al," Edward lamented.

"But why not, Ed?" Winry questioned, lowly.

He clenched his automail fist. "It's...private. I have mission to myself. I hate to admit how weak I am. I have to give that day substance and carry it around with me as a reminder."

Winry's eyes burned as streams of hot tears glided down her face.

"What are you crying for?" Ed mumbled.

"Because you two won't cry," she sobbed. "Someone one has to do it for you."

"It's not a weakness."

Both blonds glanced to see Orihime staring down at them with a faint smile, hands clasped in front of her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Winry quickly wiped away her tears. "No, it's fine, Orihime."

"I think that just shows real dedication," the auburn haired girl addressed Ed. "Your unfaltering commitment and your strong resolve. It's nothing you should be ashamed about, Ed. It just means you really care about your brother, and you are doing whatever you can to help him. That, in of itself, is truly admirable."

Edward stared at her for a minute before a distinct grin crossed his lips as he stood up from his chair. "You always know just what to say to cheer me up," he chuckled, softly, rubbing the auburn haired girl's head.

"Aww! Don't you guys look cute together?" Winry teased, enjoying the scene in front of her.

Both teens jumped back, swiftly separating with light pink blushes on their faces.

"The hell, Winry?!" Edward shouted, flustered.

The blonde mechanic laughed, waving him off. She turned towards Orihime with a sly smirk. "So, Orihime, you never did tell us what you thought about a half naked Ed."

Orihime's cheeks heat up, giving them a reddish hue. Flashes of Ed standing in the middle of town without his clothes and just in his boxers crossed her mind. "I didn't mean to see!" she squealed, embarrassingly. She twiddled, nervously with her fingers. "H-he was in his underwear, a-and…" She couldn't finish her sentence, her embarrassment reaching new heights.

She bashfully glanced over to see Ed staring at her with a dumbfounded expression, his own cheeks darkening.. She shrieked, hiding behind Winry, shyly poking her head out. "I wasn't staring. I'm not a pervert. I'm not." She looked close to tears.

The blonde mechanic laughed at the sight of the two embarrassed teens. "Don't worry about it, Orihime. I pretty sure Ed liked the fact that you were staring."

"I did not!" Ed cried, indignantly.

He was ignored.

"Anyway, Orihime, you never did tell why you took an interest in medicine," Winry inquired, intrigued.

Edward's golden gaze landed on the ginger haired girl, his eyes shining with interest.

Orihime pondered for a bit, smiling to herself. "I guess I did for Ichigo's sake. I try to do whatever I can to keep him alive."

Ichigo? Edward tilted his head in confusion. He never heard that guy's name before. But why did he get the feeling that he did?

He watched Orihime's facial expression. There was a sense of longing in her eyes. Her smile was different than her usual ones. While her usual ones were bright and cheerful, this was small, yet full of genuine warmth and delightfully happy. For some reason, seeing that smile, a smile that wasn't for him, made something inside him twist, painfully.

"How did you guys meet?" Winry questioned, excitably.

"Well, you see, it's kind of a long story," the auburn haired girl started. "I met Ichigo the day my brother died."

Edward's and Winry's expressions morphed into one of shock and surprise.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

"It's okay," Orihime cut Winry off, smiling, wryly. "In fact, if it wasn't for that day, I would never have met Ichigo," she said, optimistically. "You see, Ichigo's family owns a clinic where I took my brother after he got into a car accident. Unfortunately, they weren't officially open at the time, so they had to call an ambulance to take my brother to the hospital. He died on the way."

She paused, beaming to herself, a bright twinkle in her eyes. "I didn't realize he was the same boy at the time. I was so distraught over my brother's death, mourning my only family." She stared up ahead, a great fondness in her eyes. "I met him again a couple years later. A few bullies stole my hairpins, the only memento had left of my brother, but he brought back for me. I was so happy that day! That was the first time I realized how truly kind he was!"

Orihime sighed in bliss. "Ichigo is just an amazing person! He's kind hearted and brave and he's always willing to help someone when they need it! Just seeing him trying his best to help people made me wonder if I could do that, too."

"What's his family like?" Winry asked, curiously.

"He has a father and two, adorable, little sisters that he's fond of," Orihime answered, quickly. "His mother died when he was young. His mom was his whole world, so when she died, it really broke him. That's why, I think he tries so hard, so that others won't feel the same feeling of helplessness he once did."

The ginger haired girl bit the inside of her lip. "But, sometimes, he gets hurt. Really bad. He gets into a lot of fights, so it's only inevitable that he would sustain injuries. However, Ichigo was close to death more times than I could count. Truthfully, I'm scared that my powers might not be enough to help him, so I studied other alternatives, like first aid and medicine."

Her mind flashbacked to that time in Hueco Mundo. A sense of overwhelming dread and unease twisted inside her, making her horrifically sick to her stomach. She never wanted to go through that again. The agonizing pain, the paralyzing terror, the distressful sorrow… All of it was just too much. The thought of Ichigo dying was too much to bear.

"Why doesn't he just stop fighting?" the blonde blonde mechanic yelled. Great, another reckless idiot who gets into unnecessary fights. She sent an accusatory glare at her.

"What?!" Ed shouted, defensively, seeing the look his childhood friend was giving him.

Orihime laughed, sheepishly. "Oh, that's just Ichigo. He likes protecting his friends and family."

Winry evaluated Ichigo's personality. The resemblance between him and Ed was just...uncanny. They were both reckless morons, but they seemed to have a genuine soft side underneath along with a sense of righteousness. Not to mention, they both loss their mothers at a young age. And they have younger siblings they would do anything to protect.

She had to wonder. Does Orihime have a type?

"So, this 'Ichigo' guy, is he good in a fight?" Edward questioned. Winry rose an eyebrow at that. Why did she detect a hint of a challenge at that?

Orihime enthusiastically nodded her head, oblivious to Ed's true intentions. "Yep! He's really strong. He trained in martial arts since he was four. And he just gets stronger everyday! Although, he prefers to fight his opponents on an equal level. Like he would never start a battle with someone who is already injured."

"Why not?" Winry inquired.

"It's just not his style," she replied, simply. "He prefers to fight fair and square. I mean, he could strategize, but I remember him saying he doesn't have the patience to wait and think. If he hits his enemy hard enough, he would get somewhere eventually. If not, then he would just train harder until he could," she laughed.

Orihime sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry, I'm rambling on. I know I'm not making him sound all that great, but Ichigo really is amazing! He's strong, brave, and kind! And I want to do whatever I can to help him!"

The auburn haired girl suddenly felt something clicked inside. Edward and Winry gasped in shock to see a streamline of tears falling from her face.

"Orihime?!" Ed cried, frantically. "What's wrong?"

"Why are you crying?" Winry asked, concerned.

"I-I don't know," she responded just as confused. "I just… I just… Something doesn't feel right."

She paused for a moment, trying desperately to stop her overflowing tears. Why was she crying? She wasn't sad or in pain or anything. But, strangely, she just felt the sudden need to cry. Her startling tears baffled her.

"It's Ichigo. He's… He's crying," Orihime suddenly muttered out, her voice barely audible. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks.

Ichigo was crying.

He was crying!

That painful awareness made Orihime's twist in agony and sadness. She didn't try to stop the steady river of crystal tears. Why was Ichigo crying? Was he hurt?

"Orihime, please don't cry."

She could hear Ed and Winry trying their hardest to comfort her, but she only shook her head, sobbing into her hands. Ichigo was in trouble, and there was nothing she could do about it. Nothing she could do to help.

"It's Ichigo!" Orihime sobbed. "He's in pain!"

Ed and Winry were both confused.

"You are probably just imagining it, Orihime," Ed tried to reassure her.

She shook her head, vehemently. "Ichigo's in pain! I just know it! I'm sorry! I may not be making any sense, but Ichigo's hurt!"

"How can you tell?" Winry inquired, her blue eyes glowing with sympathy.

"Be-because," she sniffled. She fisted her hand upon her shirt where her heart lays. "It-it hurts inside…"

---

Edward knocked, tentatively knocked on the door to the room Orihime was occupying. After what happened, she ran away, saying she wanted to be alone for a while. Both him and Winry were hesitant to chase after her.

"Orihime, it's me. May I come in?" Ed asked, hesitantly.

There was a few moments of silence before the door finally opened. He slowly stepped inside. He glanced upon the quiet room until his eyes landed on Orihime. She wasn't crying anymore, but her eyes were pink and puffy and her face was caked with dried tears.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, nervously. He shifted, uncomfortably, not knowing how to comfort her if need be.

Orihime smiled. "I'm doing better. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you and Winry.

The blond alchemist shook his head. He then took notice of the scarf lying on the desk. He remembered that midnight blue scarf. That was the same scarf Orihime was knitting while they were Youswell.

"What is it that?" he questioned, pointing at the scarf. What he really wanted to say was who was it for?

"Oh, the scarf?" The auburn haired girl's cheeks turned a light shade of hue. "It's just a present. For Ichigo. I made it from scratch myself."

Edward rose a yellow eyebrow, intrigued. "You can make scarfs?"

"Yep!" she chirped, happily. "I made this scarf for Ichigo. You see, I'm not very good at expressing my feelings into words. There are a lot things I wanted to tell. But, most of all, I wanted to say 'thank you'. Those are the words I wanted to tell him most, just 'thank you for everything'."

Edward watched Orihime's eyes glow with an intense and strong emotion. An emotion so powerful it radiated throughout her entire being. There was an angelic glow about her, a strong sense of longing in her eyes. Her lips were curled up into that same smile. The smile radiances with elated happiness and blissful devotion. That same smile just for him.

"Strawberries… They remind me...of...him."

"Strawberries remind me of a guy I like."

"We both desire the heart of the same man."

"Be-because it-it hurts inside…,"

Now he knew what that feeling was behind Orihime's bright, gray eyes. It was a just a simple crush. It was much stronger than that. More intense, more powerful. A passionate warmth that made her eyes shine as bright as the sun. The impassioned, burning fondness when she spoke. The wistful yearning in her eyes. It all made sense. It became so clear to him now. There was only emotion that would produce such a strong affect.

It was love.

"You're in love with him, aren't you?" He felt a pin drop inside him as he spoke those words.

"Huh?" was her confused response. She probably didn't hear him. After all, he mumbled it out, so quietly.

He balled his fists. His golden eyes staring at her with a dark, hidden emotion. "Ichigo. You love that guy, don't you?" Just admitting those words made his stomach burning and left a bittersweet taste in his mouth.

Orihime's eyes widened, slightly. How did he…? She was completely caught by surprise. Her gray eyes then dimmed a bit with a twinkling warmth, a light pink blush adorning a cheeks. "Yes," she admitted, plain and simple, no tip toeing around the question. She must've figured there was no point in hiding it. It was blatantly obvious.

Yeah… Right… He had a feeling for a while ever since the day Orihime fell ill. She all but blurted out in her delirious state that she liked a guy. He just didn't know how strong a like she meant. She didn't just like him, she was wholehearted in love with him.

But what does it matter to him? They were just friends, after all. There was never really anything going between them. They weren't dating, so he shouldn't care. They were...just friends. That's all they ever will be, and he was satisfied with that.

Though why does he get the feeling that he was being rejected?

This aching pain in his heart won't go away. This dull sense of burning agony erupted through the pit of his being. This bitter heat burned in the pit of his stomach churn. A sour sensation of sickening nausea twisted in his gut, scalding it like there was an acidic bile flowing disgustingly inside.

He heard the faint sound of sniffling. He glanced up to see Orihime in tears. Ed immediately started to panic. "C'mon, Orihime. Stop crying!"

Orihime shook her head, vehemently. The hot tears wouldn't stop flowing. "Don't cry, Eddie!"

Ed's yellow brow furrowed downward in confusion. "I'm not crying."

"Yes, you are! You're crying right now! You're in pain! I know what Winry means when you won't cry. You might not show it, but you are crying right now. On the inside." Her words started reduce into incoherent blubbering as she covered her face into hands.

Edward stared at her, not knowing what to say before shaking his and smiling, wryly. He tenderly patted her head. "I'm not crying," he assured her.

She peeked at him through puffy, red eyes, sniffling. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not," he chuckled, softly. "Man, you are so sensitive."

She pouted. "I'm not!" she sniveled, wiping away her tears.

Edward perked up as if he realized something. "Oh, I almost forgot…" He dug inside his leather pocket and pulled out a tiny violet colored box. Orihime stared at it, curiously.

He handed to her. "I got you a present. I meant to give it to you earlier, but Paninya stole and with everything that's happen, I kind of forgot…," he trailed off, sheepishly. There was a dust of pink lighting under the bridge of his nose. "Go ahead. Open it," he urged her.

The ginger haired girl stared at the tiny box with wonder interest before reaching out and gingerly taking it out of his hands.

The box felt soft and smooth to the touch. Her gray eyes glanced up, staring into his golden orbs, questionably, trying to see if she could figure out what was in the box by reading facial expression. He inclined his head, egging her on to open it.

The auburn haired girl slowly unveiled the tiny box with baited breath. An awestruck gasp escaped from her lips as she eyed, wondrously at what was inside.

There was a beautiful pair of rosy pink colored rose stud earrings inside!

"Earrings?" Her gray orbs glowed with exuberant delight, her mouth hung open in stupefying astonishment as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "You got me earrings? They're earrings!" she squealed in excitement once the whole thing registered in her mind. "No one has ever bought me earrings before."

"Ah, good," Edward sighed in relief. "I was worried you wouldn't like them."

"Like them? I love them!" she cried out, happily. "Thank you, Eddie!"

Orihime gasped as if realizing something. She glanced down at her feet, shamefully.

Ed tilted his head, somewhat puzzled by her sudden loss of enthusiasm. "What's wrong, Orihime?"

She looked up at him, sadly. "I… I didn't get you anything, Eddie," she whispered out, regretfully. She felt so bad. He got her a wonderful gift, and she got him nothing.

"Is that all?" Edward scoffed, waving her off. "Don't worry about it. You are always there for me and Al. Just think of it as a 'thank you' gift.

Orihime beamed. "Okay!" She then deflated. "Oh, wait… I don't have pierced ears."

The blond boy tsked. He knew that was going to be a problem. "Um, I think Winry knows how to pierce ears. She did hers herself, after all. Why don't you go ask her?" he suggested, lamely.

She brightened up at that. "Really? She can? Yay!" Her face then contorted into a look of fear as she paced across the room, muttering to herself. "But won't it hurt? Oh, I want to wear them though!"

She was debating over whether or not to get her ears pierced. What would her friends back home say? Would they like them? Would they disapprove? Would they call her a bad girl for getting pierced ears?

"Just do it," Ed encouraged her. "I'm sure, you'll look great."

Orihime stopped and stared at him. Then her gray eyes glanced, tenderly at the earrings in her hands. "Okay," she agreed. She glanced up at him. "Thank you, Eddie," she uttered out, a small, radiant smile adorning her face before she skipped out of them.

For a second there, Edward's heart skipped a beat. Orihime smiled at him. She smiled at him! Not one of those outgoing, cheerful smiles, but that soft, reserved, cheerful, and genuinely happy smile. He felt a jolt of ecstatic electricity flutter through him. His heart swelled a bit because, at that moment, he was the one that made her happy.

That smile… That happiness… It was all just for him.

---

So, imagine his utter surprise when Orihime came up to him the next morning as they were packing their bags to leave with a stern look on her face.

"Did you read my diary?"

The accusation caught him off guard. "Huh?" was all Ed could mutter.

She thrusted a small, floral printed book in his face. "Did you read this?" Orihime asked once again.

His golden eyes lightened up with recognition. "Oh, that book? I remember some of it."

A shocked gasp cut Edward off. "You read my diary?!" she exclaimed, appalled.

Ed's eyes widened in shock and dumbfounded. He then sneaking a peek at it after Nina was saved. He was frustrated at the time. He didn't know much about Orihime or her powers. So, he took a peek into something that was very private in order to stave off his selfish curiosity.

His face contorted into one of guilt as if he was caught red handed. Well, technically, he was because he was stupid enough to blurt it out.

He regretfully eyed the auburn haired girl's face. Her brows were furrowed, her nose was wrinkling, and her lips were quivering. She was extremely hurt, and hot tears edge on the corner of her long eyelashes.

"Uh, oh… Um, Orihime," he started, lamely, trying to comfort her. "I'm sorry."

Her face suddenly twisted into something else. Her eyebrows scrunched downwards, creasing her forehead. Her nose crinkled outward, and her lips jutted forward into a pout. There was a fire dancing behind her gray orbs.

It took Edward a minute to decipher that facial expression. Wait a minute… Was she mad? Ed could only stare, dumbly at the angry look on her face. Could someone blame him? This was the first time he's seen Orihime have a look of just pure anger. He's seen her determined, disappointed, sad, hurt, disapproving, but never anger. He thought Orihime could never get angry.

He realized he was wrong.

The auburn haired girl puffed her cheeks, an angry pout set on her face. "Eddie… You… You…" She tried hard to come up with something to say. She never called someone mean names before before. "You… You big dummy!" she angrily yelled at him before running off in a huff, leaving Ed standing there like a complete idiot.

---

Edward, Alphonse, and Orihime were finally boarding a train to Dublith. Ed watched the exchanging between Winry and Orihime, sighing to himself. The ginger haired girl hadn't spoke a word to him all morning. He guessed she still must be mad.

He eyed her ears, which were know both pierced, thanks to Winry. And he was right, he smiled to himself. Those earrings do look beautiful on her.

What the three teenagers didn't realize were a pair of green, slitted eyes watching them board the train.

---

(A/N: That's it for chapter thirty four. Oh, my god! I am finally done with this chapter! It was so freaking long. So freaking long! Normally, I would've made this into a two or three parter, but I could never find a got midway point turned ending that didn't feel...awkward. Then I said, fuck it, just make it a super long chapter. And I'm not going to say this right now… Don't expect any of the future chapters as long as this. I'm kind of amazed at myself that could produce a such long chapter taking place in Rush Valley of all places. I mean, hardly anything happens. Ed's watch gets stolen and Winry delivers a baby. That's all that happens in canon.

Now there's a few things that need to be addressed. First and foremost, yes, I had Orihime deliver the baby instead of Winry. Why? Because, it was a nice change of pace from the usual canon. I already seen plenty of fanfics that Winry deliver the baby just like she did in canon. Change it up a bit. She still helped though. And I just didn't have Orihime take over. And not only that, but she performed a C section! I highly doubt anyone in FMA could do that. I made the mother have twins, and one of the twins having some...complications. There were a lot of details about birth that I don't want to get into. I have a lot relatives in the medical profession, so I know what I'm talking about. Do you guys want to know how many C sections videos I had to watch? How many times I almost made myself throw up at the sight? I did my research, and C sections boil down to four simple steps. First, give the laboring mother anesthetic to numb the area around her abdomen. Next, dab her enlarge belly with rubbing alcohol or disinfect. After that, cut her stomach up. And finally, pull out the baby from the uterus. Of course there's also stitching up the stomach afterwards. And this is just a simplified version of a C section. There's are still many things that I...don't want to talk about. Orihime didn't have worry about complications after performing the C section because her Soten Kisshun could just heal Satella's stomach closed as if the C section never happened.

Before you guys complain, Orihime and Ichigo both live in the Kurosaki Clinic and run it, so one or both of them have a medical degree. So, it isn't farfetched for Orihime to learn some basic medicine, especially since she has two really close friends who's family owns a hospital and clinic. She could apprentice their father's workplace anytime, if she just asked. I highly doubt they would say 'no' as long as she doesn't get in the way.

How did you like the fact of Edward getting Orihime earrings? This was unplanned. I thought of it suddenly because of Valentine's Day. Might as well add some Edward/Orihime moments to this chapter [well, more than what it originally was].

And yes, Ed has finally realized the person Orihime likes, the person she loves, his rival in the game of love, is Ichigo. I wonder how that would affect their dynamic later on? Yes, Ed's in love with a girl who is already in love with another guy. Though, Ed doesn't realize he loves Orihime, or he could just be in constant denial of his true feelings for her. Who knows?

Anyway, leave any thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions in a review, and thanks for reading!)