It took over half a day to get back to central, but I decided to go with the boys to the library first and then see Hughes. Alex said he would have to get back to his post and would escort me to Hughes' which was nice.
"Hurry up, Al!" Edward called and moved through the train station to our car,
"You don't have to be in such a rush big brother," Alphonse spoke,
"It's not as if the library has run away," Alex said as I moved with Alphonse through the crowd,
"Just hurry up and come on!" Edward was getting all excited.
"We're finally back in Central!" Edward grinned,
"My I've never seen you so happy," I smirked and noticed Edward glare at me for a moment as I chuckled, "come on, let's get to the library and then I'll head to Hughes!" I smirked.
"Doctor Marcoh's research! It's all gone!" Edward yelled as we stared at a desolate building which had burnt down very recently by the looks of it. I frowned and looked down,
"Dammit…" I sighed and Edward glanced at me for a moment.
We walked into the library, and I put my case down by the door,
"Rather than you heading out, how about I take your case to central headquarters for you?" Alex looked at me as I nodded,
"I think that would be best, given the circumstances." I frowned as Edward picked up a book from the floor and it broke down in his hands, I sighed and rubbed my temples in frustration.
"There's nothing left here but ashes, everything's gone…" Edward spoke as I walked forward and put my hand on his shoulder,
"We'll find another way." I spoke gently as Edward glanced back at me; I gave him a sad smile as he stood up.
"Major Armstrong!" Two people spoke and we looked at a female officer and a male. The male had long dirty blonde hair and green eyes. The woman short black hair, blue eyes with a mole under her left.
"Ah! Second Lieutenant Ross and Sergeant Brosh. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Alex folded his arms,
"You have been ordered to report back to the command centre, sir." Ross spoke as I knew he was going to head back; Alex had already mentioned it to me.
"We will be taking over supervision of Edward Elric, his brother and Reaka effective immediately." Brosh spoke as I sighed,
"Hm, very well. He's yours." Alex nodded,
"What is this? Just when I think I'm home free they saddle me with more bodyguards, this is getting old!" Edward complained as I chuckled.
"Come on boys, let's head off." I spoke and Edward was mopping behind me as we followed Ross and Brosh to the car, "what are your first names?" I asked,
"I'm Maria Ross, and this is Denny Brosh," Maria answered as we got into the car.
As we left the library I sat between Denny and Maria as Edward and Alphonse were opposite,
"All might not be lost. There's a woman who was well acquainted with the materials at the first branch." Maria spoke as I looked at her, "unfortunately, she wasn't working there anymore." Maria added, Edward sighed and folded his arms in frustration,
"That sounds incredibly helpful." Edward spoke as I looked at him, I kicked his leg gently as he snapped his face to glare at me.
Denny was staring at Alphonse,
"Something wrong?" Alphonse asked,
"Oh, it's nothing. Although, if you don't mind me asking, why are you wearing a suit of armour?" Denny asked as the three of us froze, Edward and Alphonse looked at each other for a quick excuse,
"It's a hobby!" The two brothers spoke,
"Hobby? What kind of freaky hobby is that lieutenant?" Denny leaned behind me to try and whisper to Maria,
"Who are these boys anyway?" Maria also asked as I sighed,
"So, uh, what do you say Al, Rea, it's a lovely view isn't it?" Edward asked,
"Oh, yes, really, it's gorgeous!" Alphonse quickly spoke,
"Amazing." I spoke simply.
We rocked up to an apartment building and walked inside, Maria escorted us to the apartment door. As Edward went to knock the door opened slightly and he pushed it open. What we saw was unlike anything we'd ever seen before! Books were piled from the floor to the ceiling, covering the walls and hallways completely! We could make out where each doorway was, but it was even difficult to move through the mountains of books that were on the floor even.
"Hoarding at its finest." I muttered as we moved inside,
"What's with all the books?!" Edward asked,
"Someone actually lives here?!" Denny was in shock too, as we're we all,
"Ms. Sheska! Are you here?" Maria called,
"Hello?" Danny yelled, I moved around and climbed over a section of books, I felt my foot slip but as I went to fall Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me back as some books fell. I felt his arm wrap around my waist as my back was against his chest,
"How can someone live with this much clutter?" Alphonse asked,
"Thanks…" I muttered as I felt Edward quickly let go,
"No problem." Edward muttered as I glanced back and saw he was red in the face.
"…elp…" a tiny voice called, we all froze and looked at each other for confirmation that we could all see each other, "Somebody…" it called again, "Heeeeelp…" the voice called,
"Big brother! Rea! Do you hear that?! Someone's buried under there!" Alphonse yelled and we saw a hand sticking out holding some glasses,
"Dig! Dig!" Edward yelled and we all moved the books away from the area where we could see the hand and hear the voice.
It took some time to move the books, but we ended up tidying the room in the process and revealing a small woman with brown hair, blue eyes and glasses as she sat there gasping for air.
"Aaaah! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I accidentally tipped over the mountain of books… I thought I was going to die under there. Thank you very much!" the woman thanked us all.
"So, er… are you Sheska?" Edward asked,
"Yes," Sheska looked up,
"And you worked at the library?" Edward asked again, Sheska flinched,
"Oh, the library, the world itself is so beautiful, I've loved books my whole entire life, ever since I first learned to read as a girl, that job, was heaven! But I forgot I was supposed to be working and all I ever did was read… so they fired me. If I don't find another job, I will never be able to move my poor elderly mother into a better hospital. But I'm hopeless, the only thing I can do well is read, I'll never find another job as long as I live! I'm useless, a good for nothing…" Sheska rambled on,
"Excuse me, there was one thing we wanted to ask you," Edward spoke up,
"Yes?" Sheska stopped and pointed at herself,
"Do you remember seeing any research belonging to someone named Tim Marcoh?" Edward asked,
"Let's see, Tim Marcoh, where do I know that name… oh yes! Of course, I remember now," Sheska smiled,
"Really?" Edward grinned,
"Oh yes, I'm absolutely positive, there was some handwritten notes stuffed into a bookcase where they didn't belong," Sheska explained,
"The notes really were there after all, which means they burned up with everything else in the library," Edward smiled sadly,
"Did you want to read them? Is that why you're asking?" Sheska asked,
"Yea, but it's too late now, they're nothing but ashes," Edward stood up and began to walk off looking upset,
"Sorry to bother you," Alphonse walked away too, I sighed and followed Edward to the door,
"Back to the drawing board," I muttered.
"I remember everything that was in them, would that help at all?" Sheska spoke, the three of us suddenly looked at her in shock,
"It's just how I am, and I'm able to remember the contents of any book I've ever read. It will take a while, but I could write them out for you," Sheska smiled,
"Thank you, bookworm!" Edward smiled and Alphonse was in a great mood too, I smiled at their sudden change in attitude. Obviously, this was great news, the boys would get what they wanted. Yes, I knew about the stone already, but I thought Marcoh's research might have something in there that revealed what happened to me.
"I'll be outside, Maria, do you think we could get another car for me please? I need to pick something up from headquarters before heading home." I smiled,
"Home? You have a place in central?" Alphonse asked,
"I do, you two are more than welcome to stay. I have room." I smiled at the brothers,
"Oh, sure! Thanks Rea!" Edward smiled as I looked at Maria,
"Do you have a piece of paper so I can write my address down?" I asked Maria, she nodded and grabbed a notepad and pen from her jacket as I wrote my address, "here you go Edward. I'll see you there later." I smiled and walked back to the door, "nice to meet you Sheska!" I called and left.
I travelled to central and found my case in Hughes' office as I tried to sneak in to grab it,
"Rea? Is that you?" I heard his voice as I smiled at the Major,
"Hey Hughes! How are you?" I grinned, Hughes walked over to me and gave me a massive hug as I squealed in surprise,
"I'm great! How are you doing? It's been so long! Gracia misses you!" Hughes spoke quickly, he treated me like he did his own daughter. I laughed as I pushed him away from me,
"Are you sure it's not just you that misses me?" I chuckled as Hughes smiled,
"We all miss you around here." Hughes spoke as I grabbed my case,
"Have you kept my keys safe?" I asked Hughes,
"Yes! Hope you don't mind as well; Gracia has got you some plants and we've been going in and watering them. We didn't know you were coming back though so there's not much food in the cupboards, we could go shopping if you needed to?" Hughes asked,
"Don't you have work to do?" I asked,
"It can wait! I'll help you get food to your place." Hughes walked to his desk and pulled out some keys as I smiled at him,
"Thanks," I nodded.
I left headquarters with Hughes, and he helped me buy food for the apartment I lived in. I got enough to last us a few days and knew I'd have to do another shop for groceries at some point, but I'd also have to work out how long we were going to be in Central, so we didn't waste anything. I got enough food to make a pie that would last for two days between Edward and myself.
I carried the bags to the apartment door and smiled at Hughes,
"Thanks for the help, Hughes." I smiled and he nodded,
"Anything for an old friend." Hughes spoke as I smiled, I opened the door and walked inside as Hugh passed me the other bags, he was carrying for me, "take care now! Make sure to come over and see Gracia and my daughter!" Hughes grinned as I chuckled,
"Definitely! I'll come find you at work." I chuckled and Hughes nodded and left.
Hughes was a massive help to me after the civil war, it was Hughes that kept me at his house with Gracia. They helped me get better and get back to my old self. They were some of the loveliest people I'd ever met.
I unpacked the bags and put all the food away as I waited for Edward and Alphonse to come to mine. I grabbed out some fresh bed sheets for Edward's room and a towel for him. Heading to the room I saw it was in amazing condition, Gracia had really been coming and making sure my place was in good condition. It meant a lot to me with the fact I travelled a lot…
I then worked on unpacking my case and put my clothes to clean in a separate basket away from everything else, I grabbed my guitar out and sketchbook last and carried it to my living area where I had a stand for my guitar and a bookshelf for my sketchbooks and reading materials. It was mainly sketchbooks though…
I looked at my old piano as well and put my hand on it gently, I frowned and lifted the lid, still seeing the broken keys under the lid I frowned and lifted the top, peering over I looked at the mess. I was going to fix it at some point… just never had the opportunity to do it.
I closed the lid and looked at my kitchen and moved over, it was time to cook…
It took another hour, but I was able to get a pie cooking as I got everything sorted, I was sat on my sofa reading a book in some baggy trousers and a t shirt as I waited for the boys to get home.
The door was knocked as I jumped and got off the sofa,
"Rea? We're here!" Alphonse spoke as I smiled and moved down the corridor to the front door, I grasped the handle and opened it as I smiled. Opening the door I saw Edward, Alphonse, Maria, and Denny at the door,
"Hi… everyone." I looked over them, "come in!" I smiled as I moved out the way and Edward walked in first followed by his brother,
"We are going to get some food; we have someone stationed outside. But we will be back later." Maria spoke as I nodded,
"Ok, no worries! We probably won't head out tonight, I'll get them settled here." I grinned as Maria smiled, "thank you both." I smiled.
I said goodbye to the two and closed the door, as I walked away and down the corridor, I saw Alphonse and Edward looking around,
"Edward, Alphonse, let me show you to your room." I smiled as Edward looked at me, he was standing next to my guitar, violin and piano as I smiled,
"Your piano has seen better days…" Edward spoke as I sighed sadly,
"I know… I've been hoping I'd be able fix it up but… no luck." I shrugged as I went to grab Edward's suitcase, but he quickly walked over, and his hand grabbed mine as I wrapped it around the handle. I looked at Edward,
"I've got it." Edward quickly spoke,
"You're my guests though." I spoke,
"It's fine." Edward added as I felt his hand wrapped around mine,
"Okay." I smiled and we both let go.
I moved down the hall and opened the door opposite my own room and showed them the bedroom,
"This is where you guys can chill," I smiled and moved inside,
"You've got a nice place, Rea." Alphonse spoke,
"Thank you, Alphonse." I smiled at the younger brother as he chuckled,
"I've got dinner in the oven. Won't be long till it's ready." I spoke as Edward looked at me,
"You cook?" Edward asked as I glared at him,
"What made you think I can't cook?" I asked,
"I don't know… I never saw you cook with mum…" Edward quickly spoke at I glared at him,
"Well, it's a pie." I muttered and walked away from the room,
"Brother…" I heard Alphonse scold his brother as I walked to the kitchen.
I started to get dinner read as I heard Alphonse and Edward having a little debate in the room. I couldn't hear what they were saying exactly but I could tell they were bickering. I moved to the dining table and opened a cupboard along the wall to grab a tablecloth and the plates. I started setting the table as Alphonse walked out and came over to me. I set 3 plates and then stopped at I looked at Alphonse,
"I… sorry." I sighed and Alphonse looked at me,
"It's okay. I can't wait to be able to try your food when I get my body back." Alphonse spoke as I smiled at him,
"Thanks. I used to be terrible at cooking, but Gracia taught me some tricks as I never used to cook, I'd always try and eat with people." I laughed, "I found it was better for me to learn to look after myself so I could just live on my own. So, I didn't have to stay with anyone and potentially make new connections." I explained as Alphonse just stared at me,
"What do you mean?" Alphonse asked as I frowned,
"I- I outlive everyone, Alphonse. Everyone I have ever come to care for will die and I'll still be… me…" I stopped and looked away, I put the plate down and walked to the kitchen as I saw Edward in the hallway just watching me. I grabbed the apron off the side and the gloves to grab the pie out as Alphonse looked at his brother who was moving towards the table, Edward grabbed the cutlery and finished setting the table with Alphonse as I put the pie on a heat rest.
"It won't be long now, just needs a bit of time to rest." I smiled, I heard footsteps move across the room to just behind me as I looked back and saw Edward,
"I'm sorry for before." Edward spoke,
"There's nothing to be sorry for." I smiled at Edward,
"No, I assumed that you were unable to do something for yourself and I shouldn't have." Edward spoke as I looked away,
"It's okay. A lot of people make assumptions because of the way I look, people forget I'm over two hundred years old." I nodded and Alphonse finished with the table,
"We will get you back to normal, Rea." Edward spoke quietly as I smiled with a small sigh,
"I hope so." I gently put my hand on his arm, "I'm fed up with outliving everyone." I frowned and Edward looked over my face, he stepped forward and pulled me into a hug as I froze. Alphonse looked over at us and I felt my face burn as Alphonse put his hands together and to his face in a cute motion.
"You guys are so cute!" Alphonse spoke as Edward jumped back and pointed at his brother,
"Don't call me cute!" Edward yelled as I laughed and he flinched and half glanced at me, I put my hand on Edward's shoulder,
"Let get dinner sorted, grab the plates for me." I spoke as Edward nodded. I cut the pie and as Edward put two plates on the side, I put a slice of chicken pie on each plate with some potatoes and vegetables.
"It smells amazing." Edward spoke,
"You think?" I asked,
"Yeah!" Edward spoke as I smiled, and he took the plates to the table while I tidied up the side and covered the rest of the pie.
Heading to the table, Edward waited for me to sit before he started eating. I gave Edward extra because of his large appetite,
"It looks lovely, Rea." Alphonse smiled as I grinned,
"Thank you. I've never really had anyone, but Gracia and Hughes try my cooking. So, thank you." I nodded,
"This is amazing! Gracia is a good teacher!" Edward smiled as I chuckled, I was happy Edward liked the food as I watched him eat a large portion.
I looked at Alphonse as he looked excited to be able to try some in the future,
"I'm gonna make a note of this in my journal." Alphonse spoke as Edward nodded,
"Definitely, Al!" Edward nodded as I continued eating.
After dinner I started to tidy up and the brothers helped me clean up the table,
"You don't need to help. I've got it." I smiled,
"It's the least we can do for you letting us stay here." Edward spoke as I looked at the sink as the brothers put the plates in ready to clean. I smiled as I moved to wash the dishes up and the brothers helped dry them, it didn't take too long to clean up and tidy up.
As we finished, we moved to sit on the sofa and chair for a bit as I watched Edward walk over to my bookshelf,
"You've got some books on alchemy here?" Edward questioned,
"Yeah… I tried to understand it a long time ago but gave up. Just can't seem to do it…" I frowned and pulled my legs up on the sofa, "I don't know if because of my condition I just can't do it…" I frowned and shrugged, "I feel like there's something weird that's missing in me." I added as Edward was half looking at me and the books on the shelf.
"It's not like you don't know the laws of equivalent exchange though, right?" Alphonse asked,
"Yeah, I know all the basics and I should be able to do basic alchemy, but I can't…" I looked at Alphonse as he sighed.
"Anyway, what are you guys going to do the next few days? While we wait for Sheska?" I looked between Edward and Alphonse as they both sighed,
"I don't know… I'm a bit stuck. We can't go out otherwise we are going to be followed by those two and there's a chance that Scar will attack us." Edward complained as I chuckled,
"I'm sure you can go out. Just ask them to keep a distance." I smiled as Edward turned to look at me and put his hands in his pockets,
"It's okay for you. He's not after you." Edward groaned,
"Doesn't mean you can't go out." I smiled, "why don't we go for a walk tomorrow?" I suggested, "you need some fresh air," I smiled,
"I'll be okay. But Ed could go with you!" Alphonse quickly spoke as I looked at Alphonse and then at Edward as he started to turn red,
"I- Al!" Edward yelled, I blinked as he looked at me,
"It's okay if you don't want to go." I spoke,
"N-No! I… sure, I'll go for a walk with you." Edward spoke, I was wondering why Edward was getting so flustered about the idea as I thought about the last few weeks, Winry said that Edward liked me… Alex said that Edward liked me… I could finally see it was obvious as I smiled at him. Edward was not doing well hiding it now that I thought about it.
"Alphonse, would you like me to get you anything while we are out? A book or anything?" I asked,
"No, thank you! You've got some books here I can read over the next few days and nights." Alphonse spoke as I smiled,
"Well, if you think of anything let me know! I'll be happy to collect it for you." I grinned and looked at Edward as he was smiling sweetly, "we could maybe go for lunch somewhere? I know a nice little corner shop that does lunch." I smiled as Edward suddenly stiffened, I could hear Alphonse moving on the sofa as I looked at him,
"Almost sounds like a date!" Alphonse chuckled,
"Ah! It's not a date!" Edward yelled as I laughed and he stopped and looked at me, "hey, what's so funny?" Edward asked,
"Do you want it to be a date?" I asked him, he suddenly flushed red as I smirked and stood up, "you are too easy to wind up Edward." I walked around the sofa and down to my room, "I'm going to get ready for bed and read, if you need anything, give me a shout, okay?" I waved,
"Thanks again, Rea!" Alphonse called as I moved to my room as I couldn't help but smile to myself.
I wanted it to be a date… against my better judgement, I wanted to be with Edward. I could hear the brothers bickering outside as I chuckled and got ready for bed. I changed into a long top and grabbed a book I was previously reading before I left Central just over a month ago, before I met up with Edward and Alphonse again.
Edward glared at his brother with his arms folded as Alphonse chuckled,
"Just admit it brother. You like Rea." Alphonse whispered as Edward peered around the corner to see if she was there,
"I'm not answering that." Edward mumbled, Alphonse stood up,
"You better look after her tomorrow." Alphonse pointed at Edward,
"What's that meant to mean?" Edward snapped,
"Don't get so hot headed with her! And look after her." Alphonse smirked, Edward pouted,
"I don't get hot headed." Edward muttered,
"Yes, you do," Alphonse retorted as Edward glared at him,
"Fine… I'll keep calm." Edward spoke, "I'm going to head to bed too. I'll see you in the morning Alphonse." Edward spoke and Alphonse nodded, the older brother stopped in the hallway opposite Reaka's room and stopped, he saw her door was ajar as he tried to peak through the gap and saw her sitting on the bed reading a book to herself. Edward smiled as he looked at her, she was and had always been incredibly elegant, intelligent, quick witted and very kind. Edward was going to try his best tomorrow to make the NOT-A-DATE walk nice for her. Edward stepped back slowly and into his room as he smiled to himself.