We had left early morning to head back to central on the train with Winry. Ling and his two bodyguards followed, though we don't think they paid… I sat next to Winry as Edward was next to Alphonse. I had my sketchbook in hand and had been drawing Alphonse and Edward on the chair together, Winry had been glancing at my work every now and again and as it got more detailed, she started paying more attention,
"Wow. That's really cool, Rea." Winry smiled as I grinned,
"Thanks." I nudged her shoulder with mine and looked at Alphonse as I was drawing his helmet in more detail.
We arrived in Central a few hours later and I put my book away and we headed out,
"Ahh, man, am I'm beat…" Edward stretched,
"Being spied on for hours will do that." Alphonse spoke,
"Mr. Fu and Lan Fan were keeping eyes on him?" Winry asked, Edward nodded as I moved next to him.
"Hey? Where's the Young lord?" Fu asked, we all looked around but couldn't see him,
"He's not here." Alphonse spoke,
"It appears your Prince has run off," I concluded as Lan Fan and Fu bowed their heads down,
"Good grief. I can't take my eyes off him for a second," Fu complained,
"Young Lord! Where have you taken off to this time?" Fu ran off looking around the area,
"What if he's collapsed somewhere again?" Lan Fan got worried,
"If so, I'd say it's a relief. Let's go," Edward began to walk off.
"Coming," the three of us called and followed Edward.
"Okay. Guess we should stop by the military offices first." Edward spoke and looked between the three of us,
"Right," Alphonse nodded,
"In that case, I think I'll head over to the Hughes' house and let them know I'm in town. I can't wait to see Miss Gracia and cute little Elicia," Winry smiled,
"Sounds good. We shouldn't be all that far behind you," Edward smiled,
"Okay, see you later," Winry ran off, I waved as she left.
"I wonder if Lieutenant Colonel Hughes has learnt anything else about the Philosopher stone…" I pondered and scratched my chin,
"The Fuhrer was pretty clear with his orders regarding that. I think its best if we give Hughes the information we found first." Edward spoke,
"The Homunculi," Alphonse looked at Edward,
"Yeah. I'm pretty sure Hughes said he's in the court martial office. This way," Edward ran forward, and we followed along.
It didn't take long for us to find the building in question, right next to a lovely park with a large pond, we ran inside the building to try and find Hughes. As we walked through the halls we ended up seeing Hawkeye leaning against the wall holding a folder,
"Hey Hawkeye!" I smiled and ran up to her,
"Hey guys, it's been a while," Hawkeye smiled,
"Yep, how have you been?" I smiled,
"I've been good, yourselves?" Hawkeye asked,
"We've been great… and wait… if the Lieutenant's here, that means so is…" Edward stopped,
"Thanks for waiting," we all heard Roy's voice as Edward cringed,
"Yep. The Colonel…" Edward glared,
"Well hello, Fullmetal, Rea, Alphonse," Roy looked a bit surprised,
"Colonel Mustang, what are you doing here in Central?" Edward asked while holding his head in annoyance,
"You didn't hear? I was transferred to this branch last month." Roy explained,
"Great…" Edward bluntly spoke,
"And you guys? What brings you here?" Roy asked,
"We're just doing some information gathering. And we were thinking of paying Lieutenant Colonel Hughes a little visit today. Where is he anyway?" Edward asked, I noticed that Roy had a shocked look on his face and Hawkeye's face wasn't her usual which made me suspicious as I glared at them, Roy clocked me glaring and tried to act normal suddenly.
"Not here…" Roy started,
"Huh?" Edward was surprised,
"He retired out in the country, and took his wife and daughter with him, to take over the family business. So, he's not here." Roy spoke, his tone of voice sounded solemn as I folded my arms behind Edward, Riza could see I was suspicious as I glared at Roy,
"I see, well, that's too bad," Edward looked down,
"We were hoping to see him," Alphonse added and looked at Edward as the elder Elric looked down. Roy went to leave,
"Fullmetal. Watch yourself, don't do anything crazy," Roy spoke,
"Okay," Edward replied as the Colonel walked off, I continued to glare at them.
"I can't believe Hughes is actually gone," Edward spoke,
"Oh, I almost forgot brother, we need to tell Winry all of this, she went straight to the Hughes' house." Alphonse spoke, as I nodded,
"Yeah. You're right." Edward turned around and ran into Maria Ross.
"Lieutenant Ross!" Edward smiled,
"I haven't seen you three here in a while. You're in a hurry. Why the rush?" Maria asked,
"We just heard about Lieutenant Colonel Hughes," Edward spoke,
"Yeah. It's rough news huh," Maria spoke, she looked incredibly sad as I tilted my head out of curiosity. If someone had just moved away, why would everyone act like they died… Unless… Hughes actually died. I took a slow deep breath.
"There was still so much we wanted to tell him about." Edward smiled, I dropped my arms to my side,
"We would have liked to say goodbye." Alphonse added,
"We weren't able to reach you. Don't worry though, the military gave him a proper send-off." Maria spoke,
"Wow, that was nice," Edward smiled,
"That's how it's done. Also, if you boys haven't heard already, I'm sure you'll both be glad to know, he was promoted, two whole ranks." Maria explained. I clenched my fists as that confirmed it, they only promoted someone like that if they… if it was a case of death on duty… I looked at Maria.
"Wait… so we've just been told that he retired to the countryside and got promoted," I glared, Edward looks at me,
"Rea, what's wrong?" Edward asked,
"Maria… tell us the truth," I snapped, Maria covered her mouth in horror of what she admitted.
Edward snapped onto what I was trying to get out of Maria,
"No… not the Lieutenant Colonel! Why him?!" Edward spoke, I bit my lip and clenched my fists harder as I felt my nails dig into my skin. "Brigadier General Hughes is dead. He was murdered shortly after your discharge from the hospital, Edward. I'm afraid we still haven't found the person responsible." Maria explained. After that Edward turned and ran, Alphonse ran after Edward as I stood next to Maria.
"Thank you for at least telling us the truth." I looked at Maria, "I need to talk to Roy." I added as Maria went to say something but stopped herself.
I found Roy's new office and slammed the door open, making him jump as I glared at him,
"You think it's a good idea to lie to us…" I glared as I walked in the room slowly and over to Roy's desk. I slammed my hands on his desk and bowed my head, "You think you were being nice telling us that Hughes apparently moved away," I looked up at Roy with tears in the corner of my eyes, "I've known you Roy since you were 5 and this is how you treat me… like a child… when I am older than you…" I started to cry, "you should of just told us…" I started to cry. Riza put her hand in my shoulder as Roy bowed his head down, "I know Hughes was your best friend, but he was my friend too. And in another way, he was like a father to me…" I looked up at Roy, he looked shocked, "you know what he did for me…" I snapped and Roy frowned with a sigh,
"I'm sorry, Reaka…" Roy spoke, I lifted myself from the desk and just stared at him for a moment,
"I'm disappointed, Roy. It's done now, don't worry about it," I frowned, Roy looked like a scolded child as I turned away from the desk, "I'm going to find Ed and Al…" I muttered and walked away; I walked out the office closing the door behind me.
I walked through the street and thought about Hughes, he didn't live too far from the office. He loved his job as much as his family… I appreciated his kindness when we got back from the civil war and Hughes along with Gracia helped me get back on my feet. They were both amazing people.
Every step I took the heavier my body felt as I had been crying the entire way to their home.
I stood at the door and took a deep breath before knocking, I heard movement inside and as the door opened, I saw Gracia,
"Oh, Rea…" I saw Gracia, I saw that she had just been crying,
"Gracia…" I immediately gave her a hug, "I'm so sorry," I spoke, Gracia returned the hug and I felt Elicia join the hug by grabbing my legs.
I sat with Gracia and Elicia for a while,
"You just missed Edward, Alphonse and Winry," Gracia explained,
"I guessed," I bowed my head and bit my lip, I smiled and hugged Elicia, "I've always considered you and Hughes like family to me, you took care of me for years," I smiled and held Elicia in my arms, "You treated me like another daughter," I smiled at her, "I thank you for that," I added, "though I'm sorry because I never had the chance to thank Hughes for it," I covered my face,
"Rea… don't cry, you told me big girls don't cry," Elicia held my arm, I smiled and hugged the young girl,
"It's okay to hurt." I repeated Izumi's words as Gracia smiled gently, "don't let anyone tell you different." I spoke and Elicia hugged me. Gracia knelt in front of me,
"Like I told the Elric brothers, I don't want you to give up, or else Hughes' death will be in vain," Gracia smiled, I nodded,
"Yeah, I know, I have never given up on trying to become mortal again," I explained. I stayed a bit longer with Gracia and she told me Edward and the others were going to head to my place, I was happy that they had somewhere to go to at least.
I made my way back home later, I opened my house door and couldn't hear anyone, I saw all three of the bedroom doors were closed, Alphonse was in the kitchen as I could see him trying to make something to eat as I walked forward and dropped my bag on the table,
"Alphonse… do you need help?" I asked as he looked at me,
"I'm okay… just wanting to keep my mind busy." Alphonse spoke as I nodded and moved beside him, I nudged Alphonse to the side and took over stirring the pot, I tasted it and added some more salt and herb, "there you go. Keep stirring that. Otherwise, it's nice." I smiled and Alphonse nodded as I moved to hug him, and he put his arms around me.
"Please go check on Winry and Ed…" Alphonse spoke as I nodded,
"Okay." I spoke as he nodded, "I'll come help after-" I started,
"I've got it." Alphonse spoke as I stopped and smiled,
"Thanks." I nodded and walked over to one door.
It was the room I guessed Winry would be in as I knocked, I heard movement inside and she opened the door and pulled me inside. Hugging me tightly I was taken by surprise,
"Rea, I know what you mean by you hate being immortal now… seeing all the people you care about die around you! You've been through more pain than I could ever imagine!" Winry cried, I hugged her and tried to stop myself from crying, "you're the strongest person I've ever met," Winry spoke,
"Strongest… ha… I cry at a lot…" I giggled which made Winry laugh a bit also,
"No, I mean, if I had your problem, I don't think I'll be able to cope with it, being immortal, and seeing everyone die around you," Winry looked at me, I smiled,
"I haven't at times been able to cope Winry, but at times like these you do need a friend to keep you company and make you smile," I smiled, Winry smiled back.
"I can see why Ed likes you," Winry smiled, I smiled and she sat down on the bed, "I remember when we we're little and I'd ask Ed how you were he'd always get upset after you left, like he was torn apart," Winry explained, "He really does care for you Rea, even though he doesn't show it, you spent most of your time helping them with their Alchemy and then helping us with homework and playing with us when our parents didn't have time," Winry explained I smiled, "you're like a big sister to me Rea," Winry hugged me again,
"Thanks," I smiled, it felt weird that I was now technically with Edward, thinking about how they knew me when they were young.
"I'm gonna go talk to Edward, you make sure to pop out and get food in a few." I smiled as Winry nodded.
I stood up and walked out the room, I closed the door behind me and then went to see Edward. I opened the door slowly to find Edward wasn't in the room, I then looked back at my own bedroom door and frowned to myself. I walked over and opened my bedroom door and saw Edward was sat on my chair in the corner of the room as I closed the door. I walked over to Edward and knelt in front of him as I put my hands either side of the arms on the chair.
Edward looked at me as I smiled sadly,
"Want a hug?" I asked, Edward moved off the chair and I moved back as he knelt on the floor with me and he pulled me towards him quickly, I was taken by surprise as he held me securely in his arms. I smiled and wrapped my arms around him. We didn't say anything, I just held onto Edward for as long as he needed.
We sat there for a bit, after some time I felt Edward move back as I smiled at him,
"Are you feeling a bit better?" I asked Edward, he just looked at me and kissed me gently as I smiled, he pulled back and I cupped his face, "go chat with Winry. I think she needs another friend right now." I spoke as Edward nodded, he stood up,
"Thanks, Rea." Edward spoke as he stood up and put his hand on my shoulder and then walked out the room as I moved to sit on my chair, it still held some heat from Edward as I heard him knock on Winry's door.
I left the room and headed to the kitchen to help Alphonse finish the dinner. I moved around the kitchen and then Alphonse went and knocked the door as I sorted the table,
"Ed, Winry, food is ready." Alphonse spoke and the two walked out.
I sat opposite Edward on the table, and I felt his leg touch mine as I looked at him, I tried to work out if it was his automail leg or his real one. Whichever leg it was, it was comforting to have Edward there. After dinner was eaten the others tidied up and made me sit at the table as they made the excuse of me allowing them to stay at my home…
I got changed into some shorts and a long shirt to relax in, Winry was cleaning Alphonse's armour as I went to sit on the single armchair in the room, Edward was laying across the sofa, so I didn't have much room to sit on my own sofa with him occupying so much.
"When you look closely, you're all scratched up, aren't you? You're having a rough time of it, huh?" Winry spoke, Alphonse just laughed a little, "So, what have you got planned now?" Winry looked over to Edward, I bowed my head down and Edward looked at his hand, "Well, Ed?" Winry repeated.
"What are we going to do?" Edward spoke. I sighed to myself and pulled my legs onto my chair to curl up, "What do you think?" Edward asked Winry; she looked back shocked as Edward looked at her, "What's with the face?" Edward asked,
"I'm just surprised, you've never asked for my advice before," Winry explained,
"Oh," Edward spoke. Winry looked back at Alphonse and put her hand on the back of him,
"I'm scared, you know. You, Al, and Rea have been off somewhere fighting and digging up information. Information that could get you killed like Mr. Hughes. Whenever I think about that… it terrifies me. I mean, you could die, and I'd still be here, and you'd just suddenly not be here anymore. Like my mom and dad. It's almost more than I can handle, thinking about that. Honestly, sometimes I wish you would give this whole thing up. I do want you to get your bodies back, but I also want you to stay alive and safe. It's just, I don't know" Winry paused as she bowed her head, moments later she looked around at Edward, "Sorry, I'm not sure what I think you should do. I really don't know," Winry explained, I frowned and remembered what she said earlier, I looked at her face as Alphonse looked back at her.
"You're sure being nice Winry," Alphonse spoke,
"Why do you sound so surprised? I'm always nice!" Winry complained and beaten Alphonse a few times as you smirked,
"Hey stop it!" Alphonse complained as she hit him, I looked back at Edward, and he smiled to himself. Edward looked at me and I nodded a little as he leaned his head back on the sofa.
Later, Winry headed to bed, and I went to my room to read for a bit as Edward stayed with Alphonse. I heard my door open, and Edward peered in and saw me curled up on my armchair reading,
"Hey," Edward spoke as I smiled and closed the book,
"Hey, yourself." I replied as Edward pushed the door too slowly and walked over to me,
"Just been talking with Al, can you think of any connections between the homunculi and the stone yet?" Edward asked, I shook my head,
"None come to mind. Sorry, I've been reading." I added and put my book down on the small table as I stood up,
"What are you reading?" Edward asked,
"An alchemy book, to see if I can make any connections." I smiled as Edward sighed with a smile.
Edward moved over to me and pulled me towards him I felt his automail arm move around my back and hold me close as I moved my arms around his neck. Edward leaned towards me, and his lips touched mine. Edward moved his other hand into my hair behind my head as I could feel his body securely against mine. I moaned gently as Edward pulled back for a moment and his hand moved over my neck gently and my hands moved down over his torso,
"Ed…" I whispered as he took a moment to lift my chin, making me arch my back slightly.
Edward attacked at my neck as I shivered under him, I felt him move us to my bed as we stumbled together. Edward gently pushed me down on the bed as he climbed on top, I groaned as he grabbed my chin and lifted it to the side and kissed my neck once again. I felt his knee push in between my legs and stopped at my pelvis as I froze and bit my lower lip. I felt his automail hand grab my wrist and put it beside my head as his normal hand gently lifted my shirt and stroked my stomach as I arched my back. Edward knew how to push my buttons; it was all so surprising and the way he was with me, how confident he was when it was just us, it was nice to know he could be like this with me so easily.
"Ed… H-how…" I moaned and he pulled back and looked over my face,
"I've read a lot of books on human anatomy," Edward smirked as I flushed, "it shouldn't surprise you." Edward spoke as I thought about it, and it did make sense. I smiled and leaned up and kissed him,
"Don't rush though… okay?" I smiled as Edward nodded,
"I want you, Rea. More than I've ever wanted anyone in my entire life. You…" Edward stopped as I looked over his face,
"Go on…" I smirked as he started to go a little red,
"I care about you, a lot…" Edward spoke, he sat back, and I could see his cheeks burning,
"And?" I smirked and propped myself up on my elbows, I wanted to see if he would say anything to me,
"I will help you become mortal again, Rea." Edward smiled, I pulled him towards me and kissed him, I knew I was going to struggle to get much out of him verbally. I lay back on the bed and I felt Edward's knee move on my crotch and the friction was surprisingly nice. I moaned lowly and Edward pulled back and looked over my face, he looked a little flushed but I'm sure we both did.
"You're beautiful…" Edward whispered which took me by surprise as I just stared at him, Edward's hand moved over my face and he traced my jawline, I closed my eyes as I relaxed. I felt his fingers move down my neck and reach the collar of my shirt, just above my collarbone as I looked back at him.
Edward smiled gently and went to pull my shirt to the side, Edward stopped, and I could tell he was a bit nervous as I put my free hand on his,
"As I said, don't rush." I smiled and Edward kept looking from my eyes to his hand and back again, "If you don't want to do something don't expect me to be disappointed. As a team we work together, on everything." I smiled and Edward seemed to understand what I was getting at, "being together is a team thing, we both work together and help each other." I smiled, Edward nodded,
"Can I stay with you tonight?" Edward asked as I nodded,
"Sure, I don't mind." I added as Edward wasn't expecting me to immediately agree to it, Edward moved off the bed gently as I pulled the covers back. "Do you want a drink before we go to bed? I normally have a water by the side as sometimes I wake up in the night." I explained, Edward thought for a moment and then stepped back,
"I'll get it." Edward spoke as I smiled,
"Thanks." I climbed into my double bed and crawled over.
I waited for Edward as I got comfortable and I could just about hear him talking to Alphonse,
"Are you going to bed now, brother?" Alphonse asked,
"Yeah. I'll see you in the morning." Edward spoke,
"Why are you headed to Rea's room then?" Alphonse spoke, I could hear the teasing tone in his voice while Edward panicked a little,
"I… we are-" Edward didn't know how to say it,
"I'm happy for you, Ed." Alphonse just stopped his brother from saying any more, I sensed a pause from them both,
"Thanks, Alphonse." Edward spoke and he pushed the door to my room open.
I pretended not to hear anything as I sat up and Edward closed the door and offered the glass of water to me,
"Thanks, Edward." I smiled and took a quick sip as Edward took his jacket off and unbuckled his pants as I looked away and moved to lay down, I heard Edward chuckle as I looked at him, "what's so funny?" I asked him, I watched him pull his top off as I looked over his chest. I took a moment to compose myself as I moved to lay back down and I noticed Edward smirking, "you're getting cocky." I spoke as Edward moved the bedsheets over and lifted his leg on the bed as he climbed in,
"I know you like what you see though." Edward smirked as I glanced at his body again and smiled, he had let his hair down as well, which made him even more tempting to me,
"Can't deny that it's not bad." I smirked,
"Not bad?!" Edward yelled, I laughed and grabbed his wrist and sat up as I pulled him onto the bed and covered his mouth,
"Don't shout, people are trying to sleep." I smirked as Edward glared at me and I slowly removed my hand as he got into bed and lay down, I angled myself towards Edward as he lay back, "I do like what I see, if that makes you feel better." I smirked as Edward half glared at me for a moment and then closed his eyes, "but I know you like what I've got, even though you've not completely seen everything yet." I chuckled as Edward's cheeks-tinged pink, from what I could see in the light. I could keep teasing Edward about my body, but I moved closer to Edward and rested my head on his shoulder as I felt him tense for a moment as I rested my hand on his chest. I moved my hand over his chest gently, feeling his diaphragm raise and lower as he relaxed.
I traced my fingers over his body and moved down to his stomach as I felt his abs, I heard Edward suppress a laugh as I tickled him, I lay my hand on his body and raised it up and over to his shoulder and around his neck and collarbone as Edward's breathing started to get a little heavy, I looked up at him and noticed he was enjoying my gentle touch. I moved my hand around his neck and turned his face gently to look at me, leaning up I gave him a gentle kiss and pulled back,
"Goodnight, Ed." I smiled as his automail hand reached up and pulled my hand from his face gently so he could hold my hand,
"Night, Rea." Edward kissed my forehead and I relaxed into him and closed my eyes.
I woke up the next morning and I was on my side, and I felt a very heavy metal arm on my waist as I tilted my head down to see Edward holding onto me, I moved and noticed how securely he was holding me as my back was flush against Edward's body. I felt his arm move gently and turned my head to see him sleeping soundly. I smiled to myself and felt his arm move up my body and his hand ended up around my breast as I froze and shivered as I could feel the cold metal against my body.
"Rea…" I heard Edward mutter in his sleep as I glanced down at his hand over my breast as I tried to move, Edward stirred and his eyes slowly opened as I turned slightly and he looked over my face and slowly smiled,
"Morning." I smiled, Edward froze and woke up as he glanced down and saw where his hand was as I moved on my back. He removed his hand and I smirked, "it's okay," I smiled and looked at Edward, I knew he wouldn't hurt me. I used to get flashes of the abuse I received years ago whenever someone touched me, but I learned to control my emotions and mental stability, it took a long time. But I was grateful I had the time to work through it, it was something not many people were able to do.
Edward put his hand on my stomach as I jumped at the cold sensation of his automail and he chuckled,
"That's cold." I muttered as Edward smirked, I turned towards him, "how was your sleep?" I asked as Edward moved his hand to my hip, Edward nodded and moved forward to kiss me as I returned the kiss. Edward suddenly stopped and moved back grabbing his crotch. I blinked and sat up as Edward was bright red, "Edward?" I questioned as he glanced at me, "oh…" I clicked on, it was morning and Edward technically hadn't been with anyone before, so he was still learning and experiencing new things, "don't worry about it. It's fine," I put my hand on Edward's shoulder and moved to kneel on the bed as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, "just breathe." I whispered as Edward just sat there, "it's not a bad thing." I added as Edward leaned his head onto my shoulder.
I smiled as Edward relaxed and his hands moved away as he calmed down. After that I moved away and got out of bed to get dressed, Edward looked away as I grabbed my bra, black t-shirt, and some cargo green coloured three-quarter length trousers.
I looked at Edward as he got up out of bed and glanced back at the bed and saw my bra, he blushed and looked away quickly as I smiled and then threw it at him,
"It's not an alien." I laughed as Edward jumped and glared at me. Edward grabbed the bra off his shoulder and glanced at it before throwing it on the bed as he got dressed, Edward's face was remaining bright red the entire time.
I pulled my shirt off and grabbed my bra and as I went to put it on, I noticed Edward kept glancing at me, trying to look at my figure. I smiled and grabbed my top and threw it on as I pulled my trousers on. I looked at Edward and he was sat down on the bed with his back to me as I walked around it and saw he looked frustrated with himself. I was confused as he looked at me and sighed,
"You're too curious, aren't you?" I laughed as Edward glared,
"It's easier for a woman to hide how she feels…" Edward muttered as I laughed and sat next to him on the bed,
"You just need to learn to control your thoughts." I smirked and looked at Edward.
It made me smile that he was quite confident in some respects even though he had never been with a woman before. I guessed the research he apparently did made him feel comfortable with me in some ways,
"Try and think about everything you like about me, physically." I spoke as Edward looked at me, "think about it, and try to keep yourself calm when you do. Practice that and it might help." I smiled, "though I don't know how the male body works completely, but I'm assuming that could help." I added as Edward smiled and kissed my cheek gently,
"I like everything about you." Edward spoke as I blushed and looked away, "if gods and goddesses were real, I'm sure you'd be one." Edward added as I looked at him in shock, he'd never said anything like that before… he'd never say anything like that to anyone… ever. I didn't know how to respond as he stood up. "I'm going to get cleaned up." Edward spoke as he grabbed his jacket and walked to the door, I was still sat on the bed in shock at his words as he just smiled at me.
"Okay…" I nodded as he walked out the room and closed the door behind him.
My heart jumped,
"I love you, Edward…" I muttered with a smile. Not knowing he was still just outside the door and heard that, his own heart jumping as he grinned to himself.