The Shadows of the Past

by Golden Flame 611

When 17-year-old Riza, recently enrolled in the military academy, gets pregnant by Roy, she must make the difficult decision to separate from her baby to protect him from the military and the consequences of breaking the anti-fraternization law. Years later, unaware of her son's whereabouts, he would return to her as the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric. (Parental, Royai, EdWin)

26. Family Ties Part 1

A/N: Hello! :)

We think that this chapter is probably one of the most awaited ones and for that same reason this chapter originally was so big that we had to split it in two parts. So let's go to the first one :D

We hope you enjoy this chapter and as always thank you very much for reading and commenting!

Special thanks to shinho4869, Lady Rini, dragonball256, Drumboy100, and Monospider!

See you in two weeks!

Golden and Flame

Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist characters do not belong to us. We're just having fun with them.

---

Chapter 26. Family Ties Part 1

Five days had passed since the Promised Day and everything was slowly returning to normal. Grumman had been promoted to Provisional Führer as the highest ranking military officer available, although all indicated that he would hold the position for the next few years. Briggs' troops had begun the journey back North leaving only a few small groups as military support at Central Command while his wounded comrades finished their recovery at the hospital in Central City. It was evident that their presence in the city was causing some distrust among the citizens since there was no way to hide the fact that they had been seen confronting former Führer Bradley. Despite the various armed conflicts in which Amestris was involved during his rule, his death seemed to have created an enormous sense of sadness and uncertainty at his departure especially when it was broadcast that his son, Selim, had also perished during the events of that day. Perhaps this did not make Grumman's new duties any easier but it was better to use Briggs' men as scapegoats than to have to divulge the true nature of King Bradley and the unimaginable alchemical danger to which all of Amestris was exposed.

Olivier Armstrong, knowing that keeping things in that state would surely destroy any chance that she could lead the entire country in the future, agreed to allow Grumman to handle the information as he pleased if it ensured that the citizens would once again trust the government and thus allow the change the country so desperately needed. Although, because of her background and skills, she would have had the possibility of once becoming Führer, she had no reason to complain, after all, she had been queen of her own kingdom for years and was more than proud of the courage, discipline and dynamism of her men.

The only condition Olivier imposed was to make sure that Bradley did not receive a state funeral. Although she was not a person who liked to cling to the past, the idea of paying homage to the homunculus who had brought so much death and unhappiness to the country until his last breath was something that repulsed her in a big way. Despite what the people might wish, it was not difficult to agree with her since the people who were directly involved in the Promised day had been made aware of the existence of the homunculi and Father, as well as their malevolent plans. So, backed by all the repairs that needed to be made and the unexpected support of Mrs. Bradley, it was made known to the citizens that the funeral would be a very private affair to respect Mrs. Bradley's mourning.

As soon as Olivier was certain that Grumman would begin to lead the country in the right direction, she set out on the road back to Briggs with her soldiers. With so many years in the North he had lost his taste for Central's warmer climate but that wasn't going to stop him from paying the old man a "friendly" visit if he ever got the idea to pull a stunt.

The corrupt generals who supported Bradley were put in prison on charges of collaborating in alchemical experiments on humans. Although it was somewhat vague, the citizens did not give them much importance as they were focused on the death of their leader so the generals were taken directly to prison without much inconvenience. The death penalty was considered but their lives were spared in exchange for detailed information about the events of the past few years as well as a written promise of absolute silence about the truth of King Bradley and his entourage.

To Roy and Riza's delight, all members of their unit and the closest allies who supported them on the eve of the Promised day emerged unscathed. The mission at the radio station had been a success which helped lessen the impact of the commotion during that day. In addition, they had managed to protect Mrs. Bradley at all times which earned them her vote of confidence. Maybe her husband and son were not human but that woman did not deserve to suffer for their sins. That was why, although a little unsure at first, Roy and Riza ended up accepting that Ed had done the right thing by giving Selim's original body to Mrs. Bradley. He would have to be carefully supervised for the next few years but the woman's sincere tears of happiness at being offered the chance to raise him gave them hope that someday humans and homunculi could live together in harmony.

Thanks to the constant visits from members of the unit, Ross and Rebeca, who had refused to leave Central even though her colleagues from the East had left the day before, Roy and Riza kept abreast of everything that was going on outside the gray walls of their hospital room. Even though they were physically feeling better, both were still in the hospital because the doctors wanted to make sure that Riza's neck wound was healing properly while, in Roy's case, they wanted to verify that Dr. Marcoh's miraculous alchemy was not having any adverse effects on his body. The doctors were not aware of the philosopher's stone so Marcoh had to leave immediately after applying his alchemy to avoid compromising questions.

Although the philosopher's stone, in conjunction with Marcoh's alchemy, was indeed powerful, Roy was still presenting eyestrain after a few minutes of reading the documents that Breda and Fuery kept bringing him, almost always followed by a couple of hours of headache. Marcoh had warned him, prior to the healing process, that the stone he would use on him might take a few days to bear all the expected results given that it had previously been used to heal Havoc's legs. Marcoh even offered to go to the ancient village where he had been hiding to find out if the last unfinished philosopher's stone he had hidden was still there to help the process meet its 100% goal from the start, but Roy refused. He knew the philosopher's stone would help him recover to reach his goal but it wasn't the option he really wanted to fix what Truth took away so he didn't mind suffering a few days of discomfort. That was a minimal price to pay in the face of the souls that had been sacrificed to create that terrible red stone.

However, that didn't have to mean he liked being practically tied to his hospital bed. Even though Riza's wound was more serious, she was doing much better and ready to care for him as she always had. The slightest movement that indicated Roy was about to stand up was more than enough of a signal for Riza to gently scold him, preventing the expected action from taking place. She had noticed that standing up caused his eyesight to go out of focus which could make him dizzy, so she had made it her specific mission to make sure he kept as much rest as possible. Roy was grateful for her attention but was anxious to get out of there. He had a lot of things to do to get on track for his big goal and... he also wanted to see Ed and Al even if it was just a glimpse. Although he had accepted that he had no place in Ed's life, he was unable to sate his enormous desire to see him and find out how he was recovering from the injuries received during the Promised day. That's not to mention how curious he was to finally be able to meet the flesh and blood body of the boy who had spent the last few years trapped in a suit of armor.

Since the talk they had had when Roy had told Riza about the possibility of using the philosopher's stone to cure his blindness, neither of them had mentioned Edward again when they were alone. Roy was sure that Riza kept thinking about him as well as he did but refused to voice her thoughts aloud knowing that the situation between him and Ed was much more tense than hers. However, they both took advantage of every visit from Fuery and Breda to inquire about the Elric's condition. Apparently they were both doing well and Al was slowly regaining more and more movement in his body. The news reassured them but neither dared to openly express the great desire they had to visit them. Roy, in all honesty, was afraid to approach Ed and Riza, for her part, had not been able to decide the best time to visit Edward to talk to him without the risk of someone outside overhearing them. Besides, although Riza wanted to give Edward all the information he needed to give Roy a chance, she also felt a sense of guilt about going to see him alone when she knew Roy was dying to see him.

It wasn't until one of the hospital doctors came over to do a complete examination of Roy's eyesight (for which he required that he accompany him to the medical wing specializing in ophthalmology), that Riza couldn't hold back any longer. She had to go and talk to Edward.

She was a little insecure about going by herself but the look on Roy's face when he asked her to let him go alone to his exam, made her realize that he was also expecting her to do so. She was aware of the great insecurity Roy had developed regarding his relationship with Edward so, in addition to fulfilling her own desire to see her son, she also had to try to make Edward see that Roy was a good man. Yes, he had messed up but she was to blame for the revelation of the truth coming in such an extreme circumstance.

Although a little nervous about the reception she might get, Riza left her room towards the one occupied by the Elric brothers. Thanks to the constant reports from her companions, she already had the location and room number memorized so she only required a couple of minutes to reach her destination. Standing in front of the desired door, Riza tapped on the door trying to control the slight tremor of anticipation that was reflected in her limbs.

Getting no response, Riza ventured to open the door a little so she could peek in while calling out to the brothers. "Edward? Alphonse?"

As soon as her sight found the brothers, her tense features relaxed completely and a smile graced her face as she entered the room and closed the door behind her.

Both brothers were sound asleep. Alphonse was semi-sitting up in his bed with several pillows arranged on his back to make sure he was comfortable while Edward was sitting in a chair with his arms draped over his brother's bed, letting his head rest on them. Although they were not the most appropriate positions to have a restful sleep they both slept with visible smiles on their faces.

Riza watched the tender scene for a few minutes without daring to move any further. Her heart pounded with joy and love at the scene. Both Elrics had suffered too much at such a young age but they were finally having a moment of peace and joy that they so deserved.

Then, letting her instincts guide her, Riza began to move closer until she was next to where Edward was resting. Smiling at him, she averted her gaze for a moment to the youngest Elric. She had been able to see Alphonse in his flesh and blood body when Edward's transmutation ended but she didn't want to waste this opportunity. Alphonse's smile was so sweet even though he still had a long recovery period ahead of him. His hair was still practically dull but now it was clearly noticeable that it had been washed and it was being seen to it that his long golden hair was well brushed. He still looked just as thin but his skin was beginning to take on a little color. Perhaps the hospital wasn't the best place to receive solar energy but surely the window in the room was a great improvement compared to the non-existence of natural elements within the Portal of Truth.

After a few seconds of contemplation, Riza returned her gaze to Edward. The boy had shed the hospital gown of his first day and was now dressed in black pants and a long-sleeved navy blue T-shirt. Fuery had told them that Edward had only required a couple of days in the hospital and that was grudging since the boy only cared about his brother being cared for. Fortunately the wounds he sustained during the confrontation with Father were quickly taken care of and the observation period at the hospital confirmed that there was no sign of infection.

However, there was something that worried her. The day before Breda had informed her that he had overheard something about Edward being scheduled for surgery. The Lieutenant tried to get more information about it but not being related to the boys or being Edward's commanding officer, the information was denied. With that memory in mind, Riza watched her son carefully. She knew that the surgeries were mostly related to internal problems but she wanted to check if she could find any clues as to what was wrong with Edward but could find nothing.

She was worried about why her son would need surgery but tried to push those thoughts from her mind as her gaze focused directly on Edward's face. Despite being partially covered by his arms, his smile was undeniable and gave off such tranquility that Riza sighed before smiling again. Ever since her son had been born she had always wanted him to be happy but that happiness was terribly clouded with the events that the Elric brothers experienced. She had noticed how, over time, Edward had become more open and had learned to trust others. The smiles and jokes were becoming a bit more recurrent as he interacted more with the members of the unit and that made her glad even though her heart still squeezed at times as she remembered the almost dead look Edward had worn when she and Roy had gone to recruit him.

Carefully shaking her head so as not to let that memory overpower her and taint the beautiful scene before her, Riza took a deep breath before slowly extending her hand in the direction of Edward's face. A lock of hair was covering one eye and was very close to tickling his nose. Being only an inch away from pushing the unruly lock away, Riza stopped abruptly. How could she allow herself that moment of closeness when all the difficult things her son had experienced were her fault?

Riza's smile evaporated as she returned her hand to her chest and held it with her other hand. She let out a sigh and as she debated whether or not to push the lock of hair away, a voice startled her almost making her jump in surprise.

"Don't worry, Lieutenant. My brother is a heavy sleeper."

"Alphonse! I thought you were asleep."

"I woke up a little while ago."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

Al laughed softly. "No need to apologize, Lieutenant. My sleep is still a little irregular." He said as he scratched a cheek with a finger and smiled.

Riza found herself infected by the boy's smile. "I'm really glad you got your body back. I must say you're a handsome boy. You're surely going to attract the attention of a lot of young ladies when you get out of here."

Al blushed slightly and let out a nervous chuckle. "You think so?" Riza nodded her head. "I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of affection." He confessed.

"Relax, everything will happen in its own time." Riza said with a gentle smile. "Besides there are still a lot of things you have to do now that you have your body back. Besides, as soon as the doctor gives me the all clear, I'll make you some stew, how does that sound?"

Al's gaze lit up. "Really? That would be great! Thank you very much, Lieutenant." Watching her carefully, he asked. "By the way, Lieutenant, how's your wound holding up?"

Riza put a hand to her chest to avoid touching her neck. "It's better. Your friend May actually saved my life by closing it so there were no major complications in treating it. Let's just say the downside was the blood loss but nothing to worry about. I'm ready to go back to work as soon as the doctors release me." She said calmly.

"You shouldn't overstress yourself. It's more important your health than whatever Central Command expects you to do." Al said sincerely.

Riza was touched by the boy's sincere concern. "Thank you, Alphonse. You're a wonderful boy but don't worry everything will be fine."

"You sure?" Al raised an eyebrow, which puzzled Riza. "Because there's someone here who won't be too happy if you don't take proper care of yourself." He said as he gestured with his head to Ed, who was apparently still sound asleep despite the conversation going on near him.

Riza flashed a sad smile. "Maybe."

"I'm serious, Lieutenant. Although with your reaction I think I already have my answer." He sighed. "I've told my brother several times to stop stalling and come in and see you."

Riza looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean, Alphonse?"

"My brother has gone in every day to ask for reports on how you and the Colonel are doing."

Riza's heart began to pound intensely as she averted her gaze to Edward. Is he worried about us? After the lousy role we've played as his parents? Despite all my mistakes? The warmth of hope began to fill her insides until she remembered part of her conversation with Hohenheim.

Swallowing saliva she returned her gaze to the younger Elric and asked. "Do you know?"

The spark of recognition in the boy's gaze made her realize that there was no need for her to specify. Alphonse knew perfectly well what she was referring to. "Yes, my brother told me everything." He replied calmly.

Riza lowered her gaze slightly. "I would understand perfectly if you would prefer that both me and Roy stay away from the two of you."

Alphonse looked at her in confusion. "But why? I see no need for you to stay apart." He glanced at his brother before focusing on Riza again. " After all, you are family."

"Alphonse, are you sure Edward told you everything?" He nodded his head without hesitation. "I just don't understand. You should be upset with us maybe even hate us. Especially with me. It was my fault Edward suffered so much."

"I can only see the good person who has always taken care of both my brother and me. Besides your past all it does is make me admire you even more for being willing to sacrifice everything to protect Ed and the Colonel."

Riza felt her eyes begin to burn at the boy's noble words. "But if I hadn't abandoned Edward-"

Al interrupted her, "I would never have had the best brother in the world with me." At his own words, Al blushed slightly and lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry. Not that I'm glad you had to part with Ed but I'm having a hard time imagining what my life would have been like without him."

Riza cracked a smile. "You really are a wonderful boy, Alphonse."

Al looked at her again. "And you're a good person. You may have made mistakes but we all do. No one is completely innocent. Besides if you, the Colonel and even my brother have taught me anything it's that mistakes don't define us. You have always been very kind to us and always try to do the right thing, so as much as I want to I can't find a reason to have to despise you."

A couple of tears escaped Riza. "Alphonse... you don't know how much it means to me that you think that."

Al smiled at her. "I won't deny to you that at first it was a little confusing to assimilate that my brother was not my blood brother and that you and the Colonel were his parents but as I thought about it a bit I realized that it was actually a little obvious. Ed and the Colonel are too much alike in their characters and you always had a special spark in your eyes when interacting with my brother. Ed can be quite stubborn but without a doubt his intelligence and determination come from you. Well, in short, Ed is really a combination of both of you."

"Now I understand why Roy and Edward have this incredible facility for annoying each other." Riza said as she wiped her tears and smiled.

Al laughed. "No doubt about it."

"Alphonse?"

"Yes?"

"Can I give you a hug?"

Al smiled hugely. "Of course!"

Riza walked over to him and hugged him trying not to squeeze him too tightly given how fragile his body still was. Feeling a lump in her throat, she murmured. "I'm so glad you got your body back."

Riza could feel Al's smile as she hugged him. A few seconds passed like that until she pulled away and smiled at him, a gesture he mimicked.

A sort of rustling startled Riza, who immediately turned her attention to Edward. The boy seemed to be dreaming as he simply leaned his head a little further to the left on his arms revealing more of his face than before.

Al laughed lightly. "Don't worry. My brother sometimes talks in his sleep and from the look on his face I doubt it's a nightmare."

Al's comment brought a guilty expression to Riza's face. Inhaling deeply, she asked. "Does Edward continually suffer from nightmares?"

"Huh... sometimes. But you don't have to feel bad about it, Lieutenant. Besides I think that's going to be a thing of the past now. These past few days I've been watching Ed sleep happily and peacefully, and that's saying a lot considering it's been three times in a row now that he's fallen asleep in that chair." Al said with a smile trying to ease the slight tension that was building on Riza's part.

Although she still felt guilt, Riza pushed it away as her gaze focused back on Edward's face. The smile he was wearing at that moment seemed like a balm to her soul. Unable to contain herself any longer, she brought her hand up to his forehead and then carefully brushed aside a few strands of his bangs. After a few seconds, when Riza was pulling her hand away, Ed mumbled something unintelligible again as he moved his face closer to the hand that was being pulled away. This action made her smile.

"See?" Al asked with a smile, causing Riza to turn to look at him. "He may be stubborn but I'm sure he's anxious to see you and talk to you. Even in his dreams he can't disguise it."

Riza was quiet for a few moments as she slowly moved her hand away from the boy's forehead. The smile did not disappear from her face when she spoke again. "I don't know what I did to deserve a son as good as him."

"With parents as good as you and the Colonel you couldn't expect anything else." Al said sincerely.

"Thank you, Alphonse, but I think as parents we still have a lot to learn. The fact that you and Edward are such good kids we owe it to Trisha and even Hohenheim." She said as her smile turned somewhat sad.

Al averted his gaze to the ceiling. "Mom was fantastic." He said with a nostalgic tone. "She always managed to make us laugh despite how hard she had to work to pull us through when Dad left. And Dad..." He sighed. "I don't know why but I could never hold the same resentment for him that my brother did and now I'm glad I didn't. He had his reasons for leaving home."

Riza's curiosity was piqued but, just as she had done so many years before, she decided that, for the moment, it was best not to pry into Van Hohenheim's private affairs.

With the same nostalgic air, Al continued. "Now I'm absolutely certain that they both loved us very much. When they were gone, we had the Rockbell's affection and protection and..." Al looked at Riza again and a sincere smile graced his lips. "Since we left Resembool, Ed and I have had the support of all of you. There have been many people who have helped us get to where we are today and become these versions of ourselves. Lieutenant, I know you and the Colonel couldn't be around for Ed's early years, but you two played a very important role in making sure my brother and I are here, being happy in spite of everything that has happened."

"Alphonse..." Riza managed to say overcoming the lump that was again lodging in her throat at the youngest Elric's touching words.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. I know my brother feels the same way and he really wants to get close to you and the Colonel. It' just that, you know, he's not exactly very good at expressing his feelings." He laughed lightly. "He's so stubborn that he has a hard time acknowledging his own feelings. That's why I sometimes wonder when he's going to realize how much in love he is with Winry." Realizing what he had just said, Al covered his mouth with one hand. "Oops..."

Riza couldn't help but laugh, letting a couple of tears she had been holding back come out with her laughter which in turn helped her get over the lump in her throat. "Don't worry, Alphonse. I had already figured it out. What's more, I asked him directly a few months ago."

Relieved, Al smiled again and his eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Really? What did he say to you? I think I already know the answer but did he accept it?"

Riza wiped away tears as she smiled. "I guess you won't be surprised but he denied it. He said she was just a childhood friend. Although his huge blush and stutter seemed to disagree with his words."

Al laughed. "I knew it. There's been that spark between those two for years but they're both fools to realize it. Well, I get the impression that Winry already knows but my brother is another story. You know, months ago when Winry returned to Rush Valley after the incident with Scar, Ed made her a very sweet promise but it seems his brain has a considerable delay in processing his words because even with that he hasn't realized what he really feels towards her."

"Really? Wow, I guess it will take him a while but he's on the right track." Riza looked fondly at Ed. "I've missed a lot but I'm glad I' m at least able to witness his first love."

"You may not have witnessed his early years but there are still many moments you can share together from now on. Besides, haven't you noticed, Lieutenant?"

"Huh?" Riza asked incredulously, not understanding where Alphonse was headed.

"There's your answer. My brother is somewhat slow to process his feelings but that doesn't mean they aren't there. His actions give him away and, if you trust me, you must believe me when I tell you that Ed has been genuinely concerned for the welfare of you and the Colonel and, in his own way, is happy that you two hold such a special place in his life."

Riza brought both hands to her chest and inhaled deeply. The pressure she had felt in her chest had lightened considerably. Guilt wouldn't let her completely get rid of that pressure but Al's sweet and sincere words made her feel so much better.

"Thank you so much, Alphonse." She told him with the broadest smile she had managed to form in the last few days.

"You're welcome, Lieutenant. You'll see that what I tell you about Ed is true." He said with a smile that was interrupted by a yawn.

Riza moved to the clear side of Al's bed to arrange the pillows that were lying there. "I think I've taken up too much of your time already. You need to try to get a good night's rest so you can help your body heal faster."

Al rubbed one eye trying to chase the sleep away. "I had forgotten how good it felt to sleep but now I can't seem to stop."

Riza gently helped him lay back down completely and patted his hand. "That's normal. Your body was exhausted but it will find its rhythm again before long." She covered him with the sheets. "Are you okay like this or do you need an extra blanket?" She asked gently.

Al smiled at her, "I'm fine like this. Thank you very much, Lieutenant."

"On the contrary, Alphonse. Thanks to you for being such a kind and understanding boy. Believe me your words have helped me a lot."

"Everything will work out, Lieutenant... You'll see." Al said with small pauses as sleep claimed him.

Riza kept her smile as she watched Al's breathing deepen by the second until she had no doubt that he was completely asleep. Glancing at Ed she noticed that the shirt the boy was wearing didn't look very warm so she walked over to the small closet in the room to grab a blanket. With silent steps he approached the eldest Elric and carefully placed it over him. To her relief, the movement did not wake the boy so she smiled again before leaning over slightly to place a kiss on his forehead. Looking lovingly at him, she placed her hand on the boy's shoulder for a moment before turning and leaving the room.

Though silent, Riza's exit was quick, which was why she didn't notice that, just as she turned around, Ed's eyes began to tighten slightly until a pair of sleepy golden orbs came into focus.

Ed noticed the silhouette of a person moving away from him to leave the room, but the sleep hadn't completely faded from him so he blinked a couple more times to push it away. However, when his sight was sufficiently focused, the mysterious person had disappeared.

A yawn made Ed forget what he had seen and then he stretched his arms above his head to unwind his limbs from the position he had slept in. As he did so he could feel something soft slide down his body until it fell to the floor. Confused, the blond lowered his gaze discovering that what had fallen had been one of the hospital blankets.

"But when...?" He asked himself as he stood up from his chair so he could bend down and pick up the blanket from the floor. Shaking it slightly he raised his gaze to meet the sleeping body of his younger brother. It couldn't have been Al. It is still a bit too far a distance for him to walk alone. Remembering the silhouette he had noticed while waking up he turned in the direction of the door. Who could it have been? Sensei? The Major? No... it wasn't that big. Lieutenant Ross? It could be but... He put a hand to his forehead, remembering feeling a kind of warmth within his dreams coming from that part of his body. ...Lieutenant?...

Feeling that his final conclusion was the correct one, Ed sat back in the chair as he stared at the blanket he still held in his hands. Since before the Promised Day he had been determined to settle his family affairs as soon as Al got his body back but it had been a few days and he had done nothing about it. Naturally the first few days he only had eyes for his younger brother but, despite the fragility of his condition, Al had been sending him several hints in reference to the Colonel and the Lieutenant, which he had pretended not to pick up on even though each one made him flinch inside. It wasn't that he didn't want to see them, well at least the Lieutenant, but he wasn't able to take the last step to what would undoubtedly be a transcendental talk.

Despite hardly leaving Al's side in the last few days, each of those days he had destined a few minutes to go to the room where he knew his biological parents were. He knew that all it took was a light knock on the door to start a new relationship with the Lieutenant and the Colonel but, after the incident with Envy, the hesitation he had felt about it had increased. Thanks to the letter from her mother Trisha, he felt he understood and accepted what Riza had had to do but there was still a small part of himself that wanted to cling futilely to what he thought was his original life. He was aware that whether he spoke to his biological parents or not, if he so wished, he would still be an Elric in everyone's eyes but he struggled with having to call Riza and Roy 'mom' and 'dad'. The Lieutenant had always been very kind to them and the Colonel, in his own way, had procured them but the fury and venom contained in Roy's words to him before he called Riza 'mom' still pricked at his heart even though the black-haired man's subsequent regretful look begged him to stop attaching himself to those words that had been guided by pain and a noxious desire for revenge.

So lost was Ed in his thoughts that he did not feel the minutes passing. Al, who was not yet on a steady sleep schedule, awoke a few minutes later when Ed dropped his head back on his bed a little roughly.

Overwhelmed by his thoughts, Ed snorted and raised his head meeting his brother's curious gaze. "Al?" Realizing his carelessness he apologized. "I'm sorry, Al. I'll try to put my chair somewhere else. Go back to sleep will you?" he said with a smile.

"Brother..." Al yawned as he sat up in bed carefully. "I'm fine, I can do it." He said politely declining his brother's help. When he was comfortably propped up on his pillows, he looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. "And?"

Ed also raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You're finally going to forget your pride and go see them?"

Ed swallowed hard. It was the first time Al had told him that before his daily visit. Previously he would tell him afterward, which made him assume that Al was resigned to the fact that he wouldn't be doing it that day. "Do you want me to get you a glass of water?" he asked trying to change the subject.

"Brother." Al said reprimanding him slightly. "Sooner or later you're going to have to go. You know that right?"

Ed sighed. "Yeah, I do. I just don't know what I should tell them." He said as he ducked his head and clenched his left hand into a fist.

Al looked at him for a few seconds before speaking. "I can't assure you that everything will be normal from one moment to the next but if you don't take that first step nothing will change and you will still be just as confused as you are now. You have the power to change everything. Besides I'm sure the Lieutenant and the Colonel are anxious to hear from you."

Ed raised his gaze to meet his brother's. "How can you be so sure?"

"Easy. The Lieutenant was here a little while ago." Al said with a smile.

Ed put a hand to his forehead remembering the warmth he had felt when he woke up eliciting a chuckle from Al.

"You're not imagining anything. It really was the Lieutenant that was here." Growing serious, he continued. "You should have seen her expression. She really wanted to see you and talk to you."

Ed held his gaze for a few seconds before lowering it as he became lost in thought. It might have only been a few days but he had already run away from his past for a long time. His birth parents weren't with him in his early years but they had certainly taken an important role in his life since they had been reunited. He wanted to give them a chance to try to clarify their situation and, even if he felt insecure, he also wanted to give himself a chance to get to know them better. He wanted to treat them on the premise that they were his parents, not his commanding officer and co-worker.

Well... his insecurity was greater about Mustang but perhaps he would have to rely on the regretful look he had seen on his face to give him a chance to explain himself. Maybe it was easier thought than done but it was time to fully embrace his past if he truly wanted to move into the future.

Sighing, Ed stood up. "Will you be all right on your own?" He asked worriedly.

Al puffed out his cheeks in mock annoyance. "Of course I'll be fine. I'm not a little kid."

Ed laughed, knowing his brother wanted to help him clear the tension that was building up in his shoulders at what he was about to face. "I know, but worrying about my little brother is part of my role as a big brother."

Al smiled. "Just like my duty as a little brother is to knock some sense into your head."

"Ha ha ha, Al." Ed said sarcastically before giving him a smile. "Thanks, Al. I won't be long." With that said he walked to the door and out of the room leaving a smiling Alphonse behind him.

Ed walked through the hospital, having to climb some stairs to get to the floor where Roy and Riza were. By this point, the walk was something he did by inertia since he had memorized it from his regular visits to see how they were doing. He had even managed to establish an approximate schedule of the times Breda and Fuery would visit them. The first day had been a bit complicated but he had managed to keep them from noticing his presence because he knew that if they saw him they would end up informing the Colonel and the Lieutenant even if he asked them otherwise. Now he was aware that Fuery would surely be there but he didn't care. Moreover, perhaps the Sergeant would help him not to chicken out at the last second.

As he imagined it, Fuery was on a bench near the room, reading some documents. Noticing someone approaching, the Sergeant looked up and smiled at the sight of Ed. "Edward, it''s good to see you! How are you doing?"

Ed smiled back. "Fine, Fuery. Thanks."

Noticing that, after greeting him, Ed focused his gaze on the Colonel and Lieutenant's room and his expression was getting serious, Fuery tried to reassure him. "Don't worry, they are recovering nicely."

Ed laughed nervously as he ran a hand over the back of his neck. "Really? That's great... Hey, Fuery?"

"Yeah?"

"How long are you going to stay in the hospital?"

Checking his watch, Fuery replied. "I guess another half hour. I have to make sure I get these papers delivered before the office closes."

Ed bit his lower lip before speaking. "Why don't you go now? Lest you don't make it in time."

Kain waved a hand in front of his face downplaying it, as he smiled. "Don't worry, I have more than enough time to get there."

Ed was quiet for a few seconds before responding. "Fuery, don't take this the wrong way but I need to talk to the Lieutenant and the Colonel... all alone."

Fuery watched him with a confused expression. "I'll just stay here standing guard."

Ed snorted. He would have preferred not to have any acquaintances around when he talked to Roy and Riza but it looked like he wasn't going to make it as long as he stuck to not telling what it was precisely he wanted to talk to them about. "Okay." Resigned the boy started to approach the door to the room being stopped almost immediately by the strangely alarmed voice of the Sergeant.

"Wait!" When Ed turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow, Fuery put a fist to his mouth to 'casually' cough a couple of times before continuing. "Be sure to knock on the door and wait for either of them to let you in."

"Why?"

"Uh... protocol."

Ed smiled. "You know I'm not very good at following that stuff."

Fuery gave him a pleading look. "Please?"

"Okay." Fuery smiled in relief. "But, in return I need a favor. Can you make sure no one interrupts us? I don't want anyone to hear us... including you, Fuery." Ed said directing an apologetic look at him for the last part.

Though a bit taken aback by the request, Fuery nodded and smiled as he put a hand to his forehead while giving the military salute. "We have a deal."

Ed laughed lightly as Fuery returned to the bench to continue working on the documents he brought with him. Ed waited until he saw Fuery resume his reading before he knocked three times on the door feeling his heart race a little with each knock he gave.

"Come in."

The Lieutenant's gentle voice startled Ed a little but he quickly pulled himself together to, with a wobbly hand, turn the doorknob.

Inhaling deeply Ed slowly stepped into the room with his eyes fixed on the floor. After a few seconds, he looked up and met the face of the Lieutenant, who was watching him with a shy smile on her face from her bed.

"Edward... I'm glad to see you're okay." Riza said in a soft voice.

Ed stood still for a few seconds before closing the door behind him. "May I?" he asked pointing his head to the doorknob.

Although unsure about the direction the conversation might take, Riza nodded. "Yes. I actually think it's for the best."

Ed set the lock on the door and stood there, his back leaning against the door.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Riza asked. "Do you want me to pull up a chair for you?"

Noticing that Riza was about to get up, Ed frantically waved his hands. "No, Lieutenant. I... I'll do it." With that said Ed picked up the chair that sat in the corner of the room and with slow steps set it down beside the bed where Riza was lying.

Noticing Ed's hesitation about whether or not to sit down, Riza gave him a reassuring smile. "You don't have to force yourself, Edward. I understand."

"No...it's not that. It's just... I... Damn it!" He dropped heavily into the chair. After a deep breath, he continued. "I don't know where to start..." He said almost in a whisper.

Trying to lighten the mood, Riza said. "Alphonse looks good. He still needs to regain a few pounds but his countenance looks much better than it did when you first brought him back."

Talking about his brother immediately brightened Ed's face. "Yes, he still has a hard time standing but he's getting more and more mobility back. The nurse says he just needs a couple more days before he can start his physical therapy." He said with a smile.

"I'm so glad. I'm sure you''ll be able to explore the gardens together very soon. I even thought I saw a couple of dandelions near the garden by the east wing."

"Really? That would be perfect! One of the things Al wants to do is blow a dandelion." Noticing the sincere smile on the Lieutenant's face, Ed paused before continuing. "Al told me you came to see us recently."

"I'm sorry I didn't go sooner. I was afraid that..." Riza's smile evaporated as uncertainty filled her. "I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me or the Colonel."

"It's not that... I just didn't know how to face you. It's a little weird having you around me knowing that you' re not just the Lieutenant and the Colonel." Ed lowered his gaze as he clasped his hands on his knees. "But actually all this time I was dealing with my biological parents."

"Edward-"

Ed interrupted her. "Speaking of that bastard, where is he?"

"He's taking a shower. He had just gone into the bathroom when you knocked on the door."

So nervous was he that Ed hadn't paid attention to a faint background noise coming from the bedroom bathroom that indicated how the water in the shower head was hitting the floor. "Well, it's better this way." Before Riza could intercede for Roy, Ed remembered something. "Wait a minute... is he going to be okay on his own? What if he steps on the bar of soap and breaks his head?"

Knowing that Roy wanted to be the one to tell him about the philosopher's stone when the time came, Riza tried to cover for him. "Don't worry, at this point he knows exactly where everything is." Cracking a slight smile, she added. "I'm glad to see you care about him."

Ed snorted. "I don't care what happens with that idiot."

Knowing that was a lie thanks to Alphonse, Riza said. "You don't have to lie." Ed's brief guilty look made her realize she wasn't wrong.

"I'm not-"

Riza interrupted him. "Don't be hard on him, Edward. If anyone deserves to carry the title of father it's Roy."

Ed folded his arms. "He didn't seem to like that title much when we were in the homunculus' lair."

"Edward, don't forget what I told you that day: he didn't know you were his son." Riza's gaze was filled with regret. "Ever since I told him I'd had his child, I could see how his frustrated paternity was eating him up inside. And that, too, was my fault. I selfishly kept him from meeting you from the beginning and when I finally told him I only hurt him by telling him about someone who, at the time, we thought we would no longer be blessed to see again."

With the fire of his annoyance relatively appeased, Ed returned to his unsure and confused attitude. "You had your reasons for keeping the truth from him."

Surprised at that vote of confidence, Riza tried not to let that relief overpower her. Roy and Edward deserved to give each other a chance as father and son. Until then she didn't deserve to aspire to be accepted in her son's life.

Inhaling deeply, Riza replied. "I may have had my reasons but in letting them guide me I was selfish with you and your father. I was the one who made the decision without even saying anything to Roy. Besides, I didn't learn my lesson. I kept something from Roy again that he should have known as soon as I found out. Being under Bradley's command I couldn't find a way to secretly meet with him but I should have stuck to my commitment to tell him the truth of our connection with you before the Promised day."

"Surely Bradley gave you no choice."

"Maybe, but I had a chance to tell Roy everything before the Promised day and I let it go. I chickened out at the last minute."

Ed stared at her. "Why?"

"It was the day before the Promised Day started. I was going to tell him but we were about to start on our mission and I was afraid to break Roy's concentration on the eve of such a big event that could end with the death of one of us. Since Hughes' death I've seen that Roy has had some trouble handling his emotions so I feared that the truth would leave him in a vulnerable state for the enemy."

Ed was quiet for a few seconds as he lowered his gaze. "Perhaps he didn't know the truth but surely now he regrets knowing that I am precisely his son."

A terrible stinging came into Riza's eyes. How much damage she had caused by her lies and keeping the truth hidden. "Edward, Roy hasn't stopped thinking about you. He wants to go and talk to you but he thinks he's lost you forever. He may not have known you were his son but I'm sure he has long been fond of you. I have seen it in his eyes. I know he enjoys teasing you but that doesn't stop him from taking immense pride in your every accomplishment. Plus several times I've caught him making calls to the various hotels you and Alphonse have stayed at trying to estimate when you'll be back."

Ed closed his eyes for a moment bringing to mind brief glimpses of the moments he had shared with the Colonel. Many of them were of arguments between them but in these there were never really any negative feelings between them, in fact, in their own way, it was more of a sort of ritual of friendship and trust. Although many times he had come across Mustang's smug expression, he could not deny that on several occasions he had received looks and smiles of encouragement, respect, support and pride? from the Colonel. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to believe what the Lieutenant had just told him. Besides if in those memories he included Mustang's regretful and sincere look during the events following the confrontation with Envy...

Ed opened his eyes and looked up meeting Riza's tearful expression. "Lieutenant! Don't cry."

So absorbed was she in her son that Riza really hadn't noticed that her grief had been translated into the tears now streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry." She murmured as she ran an arm across her face. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry." She repeated over and over being unable to stop the wetness in her eyes so she covered her face with both hands. Her decisions had hurt the people she loved most in this world.

Just as it had happened months ago, guided by instinct, Ed hugged Riza as he murmured hoarsely from the tears he himself was holding back. "Don't... don't... please... don't cry m-... I don't like to see you cry... mom."

Riza tensed when she heard the last word. The warmth that Edward's embrace was giving her was helping her sobs to begin to calm but when she heard how he referred to her she felt again the pang of longing she had always had as she thought of how much she wished she could have been there for her son.

Despite feeling Riza's tension, Ed didn't break away from her. Stopping talking to her in a formal way and especially saying 'mom' to her was still a strange thing for him but at the same time he felt that this was the right thing to do and it actually felt good to do it.

Realizing that Edward was not separating from her, Riza delicately put her hands on his forearms forcing him to break the embrace. Although she felt happy about the way he referred to her, Riza smiled sadly and told him. "I always dreamed that you, my son, would call me that but since the first time you did I realized that I don't deserve it."

"But ever since I joined the military you've been there to help me even though you didn't know we were family."

Riza kept her gentle grip on the boy's forearms. "But that's part of the problem, Edward. You should never have gone into the military much less at the age you did. Your father and I always wanted you to have a happy, carefree life next to a family that would give you the love and security I denied you but, because of me, you ended up going through hell. If I hadn't abandoned you, your body and Al's would never have happened. And, to top it off, I agreed to accept you into the military when I knew you could go through some very dangerous and traumatizing things. Your life has been in constant danger both physically and emotionally and it's all because of me. I don't even deserve your forgiveness."

"No, it's not necessary." Riza's heart stopped for a moment. Ed inhaled deeply without taking his gaze from hers. "It's not necessary that you have to ask for my forgiveness because I have nothing to forgive you for. I understand the reasons why you preferred to leave me with my mom so I don't hold any grudges. I am sorry if I gave you the opposite impression but... it has not been easy to assimilate that I am not really who I thought I was. I can't tell you that the last few months have been spent blithely and carefree because I'm a fool who has a hard time coming to grips with what's going on in his head."

"Edward..." Riza murmured but Ed wouldn't let her go on.

"You may not have been able to raise me but in return you gave me precious people in my life. You gave me a family. In fact, Al was the first to help me process the truth better. I was naïve to think I could keep it from him." He laughed lightly. "Winry was also with me when I needed her and even Granny Pinako even though you don't seem to be much to her liking." He confessed a little sheepishly at the end. "It may not have been the way you expected but I finally found you and Mustang again. Besides since I joined the military, I've met good people who have been supportive of Al and me." He sighed as he closed his eyes for a moment. "I know you didn't want to part with me but in doing so you gave me a much bigger family than I had previously thought."

"But my choices led you to suffer so much at such a young age. You deserved all the happiness in the world and I only caused you tragedy."

"You may have made mistakes but you're not the only one who has. You can't blame yourself for what happened to me because I brought it on myself. Mom was a wonderful mother that's why I was so hurt by her death and I didn't know how to assimilate this happening as I should have done from the beginning. Human transmutation was my idea and my decision. You had nothing to do with it."

Riza's gaze was filled with sadness so Ed hastened to clarify. "Eh... I guess I'll always see mom as well my mom but that doesn't mean I don't see you the same way it's just that..." He blushed slightly. "Saying 'mom' to you is like a kid saying 'mom' to his teacher. I have to get used to it."

Riza couldn't help the smile Ed's comparison elicited. "It's not that, Edward. Trisha more than earned her title of mother and I'm more than grateful to her for all the love she gave you." Inhaling deeply, she continued. "What's wrong is that it hurts me to think about how much you suffered. Pinako told me about the night of the transmutation and... to think that you could have died that night." A new tear slid down her cheek. "I could have lost you forever and I would never have known what became of you. I was resigned to never seeing you again but I always held out hope that you would grow up living happily and in the end it turns out that you and Alphonse almost died because you were alone. I should have been with you."

Ed shrugged. "You had no way of knowing where we were."

Riza was puzzled at her son's casual expression. "I don't understand... how can you accept me into your life after everything that happened?"

Ed averted his gaze to the bed as he scratched the back of his neck. "I think I gave you the wrong impression when you told me the truth. I was shocked by what you told me but at no point did I ever come to despise you." Riza let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I was very confused... I didn't know who I was supposed to be or the role you two would have in my life from that point on. I think back then I wanted to understand your reasons for separating from me but... sorry... I didn't really focus on that. If it hadn't been for Mom my mind would probably still be totally scrambled."

"How? I don't understand you."

"Mom left Granny Pinako a letter for me. Granny Pinako gave it to me a couple of weeks ago when I was in Resembool. In it Mom told me your story and made me really understand how hard it was for you to separate from me. It made me realize a lot of things, so much so that I almost felt like she was there with me when I read it." He said with a small nostalgic smile on his face.

Riza mimicked his smile remembering the kind woman who had helped her so many years before. "Trisha never ceases to amaze me. Even though I only lived with her for a few weeks, she was always so kind and even now she is still helping me." She sighed. "I also owe a lot to Hohenheim, without him neither you nor I would be here today."

Ed refocused his gaze on Riza's, surprising her when she noticed that the palpable contempt that was unleashed in the boy's gaze whenever his father was mentioned was no longer there.

"That bastard made mistakes too but I understand him better now. He wasn't the father I expected but at least now I'm sure he's not a bad person." Biting his tongue a bit at the end after realizing he was being more lenient with Hohenheim than with Roy, Ed changed the subject a bit. "I've learned a lot these past few years, even more these past few months, so I don't want to live in the past... I have Al back with me, so I'm looking forward to walking into the future. I want to learn new things and give back at least a little of the happiness we are now being given." Ed pulled Riza's hands away from his forearms so he could take one of her hands between his. "I want to live in the company of the most important people in my life. I want to spend time with Al, Winry, Granny Pinako... and you, my parents. That bastard Mustang is causing me some conflict but I think I'll be able to get over it." He concluded with a smile.

Riza couldn't hold back any longer and pulled Ed to her to squeeze him tightly. "Oh, Edward... I don't deserve you..."

"Don't say that... mom."

"My son... my son..." Riza said between sobs. "How long I waited to hold you in my arms again!" She kissed the top of his head.

Ed tightened the embrace as a warmth and joy washed over him inside. The conclusion to his dreams that he had not allowed himself to reach was finally happening. His birth mother was hugging him and that action brought with it a feeling of peace and security he hadn't felt since before Trisha died. No longer able to help himself, the boy began to cry as well.

A couple of minutes passed like that until their sobs lightened. Riza gently pulled Edward away to see his smiling though tearful face.

With a warm smile, Riza wiped Edward's tears with one hand. "I think I'm becoming an expert at making you cry."

Ed laughed as his cheeks flushed slightly again. It had been a long time since he'd had that kind of motherly touch. "I think it's a mutual thing." Turning serious, he added. "I don't like making you cry, though."

Riza kept her smile as she wiped away her own tears. "Not all tears are bad. Today I'm crying from happiness and relief at having my son in front of me."

Ed lowered his gaze and smiled as he muttered to himself. "I hope this is a good sign to keep my promise."

"Promise?"

Ed blushed intensely as he waved his hands frantically in front of himself. "I didn't say a-anything."

At the boy's blush, Riza imagined who he could be thinking of to have caused him to blush so much. She was about to insist a little (perhaps she could give Edward a hand in confessing his feelings) when she noticed that during the frantic movement of his hands the boy let out a slight wince.

"How are you doing with your wounds, Edward?"

Ed stopped his movement and instinctively looked at his right arm. "I'm fine. My arm still needs therapy. Sometimes I feel numbness but I was told it's normal and the wound on my left arm is healing well."

Remembering the doubt she had, Riza asked. "So you have nothing to do with a surgery, right?" The boy's slight flinch gave her his answer. "Edward..."

Ed sighed. "I still have some materials from my automail embedded in my shoulder. They say they have to remove them to prevent damage to my tissues and muscles."

"But...?" Riza prompted the boy to continue.

"I'll be unconscious practically the entire day of the surgery. I can't leave Al alone for that long." Before Riza could interject, Ed continued with a somewhat embarrassed expression on his face. "Besides...I'm not exactly a fan of surgeries."

Understanding that Ed's fear might be due to his automail surgery, Riza pulled him back to her. "Don't feel bad, son, I understand that you don't like them but that doesn't mean you can avoid this surgery. It will surely be a quick procedure and by the time you wake up, it will all be over. Besides, you don't have to worry about Alphonse. I'll take care of him."

"But you're still recovering." Ed protested as he pulled away from her.

"Surely you must know that I'm cleared to walk by now as long as I don't overexert myself." Riza told him with an expression that made it clear she was aware of what Ed had done.

Surprised for a moment, Ed remembered Riza talking to Al while he was visiting them. "Traitor." He muttered with a smile.

Riza took his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Actually I think Alphonse knew perfectly well what he was doing. Thanks to him we were finally able to talk." She told him with a smile.

Ed smiled back. "Al is quite astute."

Perhaps it was the pleasant silence that was now forming between them that made Ed finally able to concentrate on the sounds around him. In the room there was the subtle crash of curtains being moved by the wind, the occasional chirping of a few birds, and the typical occasional sound of footsteps pacing back and forth in the hospital that the simple door of the room wasn't quite able to cover up. Considering the place they were in, he could tell that everything was quiet... Too quiet... Wasn't there supposed to be the sound of water hitting the floor coming from the room's bathroom?

Realizing that he must have been there for several minutes already, Ed pulled his hand away from Riza's. "I'd better let you get some rest." He said with a nervous smile.

"I'm fine." Seeing that Edward wasn't waiting for a response and was making his way towards the door he exclaimed. "Wait. What about Roy?"

Ed glanced nervously at the bathroom door. "Uh... maybe... later?"

Just as he finished his sentence, the bathroom door opened letting out the steam that had formed from the hot shower.

Out of reflex, Ed turned toward the source of the sound and could see the figure of Roy Mustang emerge from the bathroom. His golden orbs connected with black ones for a second. Knowing it was not possible for him to return his gaze, Ed thought no more and unlocked the bedroom door and then exited the room without another word.

Roy, for his part, stood frozen in his place without being able to believe what his eyes had seen. Stuttering slightly, he asked. "Was that... him?"

"Yes." Riza replied, confused at what had happened. She knew that Edward still had some misgivings about Roy but after their conversation she had believed that her son would give Roy a chance to talk to him.

Tearing his gaze away from the door to finally see Riza, Roy was startled. "Riza!" he quickly moved to her side. "Are you okay? What happened?" fearing the answer, he took one of her hands and asked one more question. "Did he come to say goodbye... forever?"

Figuring that her eyes should be red and swollen from the tears she had shed, Riza shook her head a couple of times. "Don't worry, I'm fine. Edward came to talk to me..."

"And?"

Biting her lower lip for a moment, Riza replied. "He's forgiven me. Well, he doesn't really think there's anything he should forgive me for." She confessed feeling guilty for receiving such happiness while Roy was still suffering.

"That's very good, Riza! I'm happy for you." Roy said sincerely though he couldn't hide the sadness that still covered his eyes as he thought of his own relationship with his son.

"Roy... it's not fair that only I should be forgiven. You should have made peace with him first."

"You've always been wonderful to him, so it's only natural that you've developed that connection with him."

"But you've been looking out for him, too."

"Don't worry about me, Riza. I'm fine." Roy said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Liar." Riza muttered as she pushed Roy's hand away to stand up. "I can't afford to be happy when it's my fault you're not."

"Riza-"

She interrupted him. "There's no doubt you two are father and son. You're both equally stubborn and always care more about others than yourselves."

"Riza, wait. Where are you going?" Roy said as he tried to follow her but the serious and regretful look she gave him made him stop.

"I need to get some air." Riza said without turning to look at him again. If she looked him in the eyes she was sure he would realize she was lying. She couldn't be sure she would make it but she wanted to try to convince Edward to at least give Roy a chance to talk to him.

---

Ed closed the door and leaned against it as he exhaled heavily. Fucking coward that I am, why did I run away? One talk with that bastard isn't going to kill me.

"Are you okay, Edward?"

Ed startled as he forgot he wasn't alone. Taking a deep breath, he put a slight smile on his face as he moved towards the bench Fuery was watching him from after peeling his attention away from the document in his hands.

"Yes." Ed replied as he plopped down on the bench.

"Are you sure? Did you have an argument with the Colonel?"

Ed shoved his hands in his pockets as he fixed his gaze on his feet. "No. He wasn't even there."

Fuery adjusted his glasses. "What? But I've been here this whole time and I haven't seen him leave." He said in a worried tone as he looked to his sides in a searching instinct.

"He was in the bathroom."

"Oh, I see..." Holding a finger to his chin, Fuery added. "So, are you waiting here while he finishes?"

"I don't know."

Before Fuery could question him further, the door to the room opened to make way for Riza, causing the Sergeant to rise for the military salute.

"Hello, Fuery." Greeted Riza politely as she noticed how Ed kept his gaze on the floor. "I thought you'd be gone by now."

"Almost there. I'm just giving one last review to the documents the Colonel signed off on while Lieutenant Breda arrives to relieve me."

Riza smiled at him, trying to distract him as she noticed Fuery looking at her curiously, surely because of the redness that must have been in his eyes at the moment. "You shouldn't overstrain yourselves so much."

Falling for Riza's distraction, Fuery smiled back. "We do it gladly, Lieutenant. You and the Colonel just need to worry about recovering. We'll take care of the rest."

Riza nodded her head in thanks before staring at the blond. She would have liked to talk alone with her son or in the company of Alphonse (surely the boy would help her in her mission) but she couldn't talk openly about what she wanted when Ed was in the middle of the hospital corridor. "Edward?"

Ed startled and reluctantly raised his head in her direction. "Yes?"

"I know I can't and shouldn't force you but I just wanted to let you know that, if you still have time, the Colonel could use a visit."

"Oh..." Ed bit his lower lip as uncertainty washed over him. "Maybe the Colonel would rather rest."

Riza's look turned a little sad but she decided not to force the issue since Fuery was there and they were in the middle of a continuously traveled hallway. Sighing, she turned to Fuery. "Sergeant, I'm going to the cafeteria for a few minutes, can I ask you to watch the Colonel until Lieutenant Breda arrives?"

Still confused by Ed's behavior, Fuery peeled his gaze from the boy to look at Riza. "Sure, Lieutenant. Take all the time you need."

"Thank you." Before turning away, Riza made one last attempt. "Edward, it's normal for you to feel confused but I know you have a big heart so, if you give yourself a chance to listen to him, you'll be able to end all this. Whether you decide to talk to the Colonel or refuse to do so. It's your decision." She gave him a warm smile before heading off in the direction of the hospital cafeteria.

Fuery sat back down on the bench unable to help but look curiously at Ed out of the corner of his eye. The boy was unusually quiet and it was obvious that there was something bothering him. Besides why did he now seem so reluctant to talk to the Colonel when earlier he had said he needed to talk to him and the Lieutenant? It didn't make sense. At those moments it would be normal to hear Roy and Ed having a discussion.

Kain was about to make conversation with the boy, when Ed abruptly stood up from the bench as he said. "Well, it's now or never."

Fuery fell silent as he realized the words were directed mostly at himself. When Ed had his left hand on the doorknob, the boy turned slightly toward him. "Fuery, the same deal from earlier still stands. Nobody listen to us, okay?" Ed only looked at him long enough to realize he was answering with a nod. He then slowly opened the door and then walked into the room as quietly as possible.

Fuery watched the little scene in total confusion. Since when did Edward try to enter a room quietly when he was sure that the Colonel was the only one waiting for him on the other side? Sighing, Fuery settled back on the bench as he adjusted his glasses. "What the hell is going on here?" he muttered to himself.