A/N: Hi!

We continue with the happy moments so in this occasion it's time for a little time-skip, although we still have the epilogue ahead of us (OMG, the end is in two weeks :') ). We hope you enjoy this chapter and as always thank you very much for reading and commenting.

Special thanks to shinho4869, Lady Rini and Elvenstar146!

Well see you in two weeks with the final chapter!

Golden and Flame

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


Chapter 36. Moving towards the future

Ed stepped off the train and inhaled deeply, filling himself with the scent of the place. Since he had crossed the border between Crete and Amestris he had noticed a change in the air although surely that was because his mind knew he was back in the country where the people he loved were.

His research in Aerugo and Crete had been truly satisfying. He had learned a lot, met wonderful people and incredible places. The trip had undoubtedly been one of the best experiences of his life but, as time went on, he couldn't help but miss home. Years ago he had grown accustomed to being a nomad to a certain extent but, although he still enjoyed traveling and all that it entailed, that didn't mean he loved his family any less and didn't miss home continually. After a few years he had finally learned the true meaning of home because his home was not only Al and the house he had lived in with his mother Trisha but he actually had several homes there where the people he loved were.

Surely he would continue to travel in the future but no longer in the same way as before. If there was one thing he had learned and applied during his journey through the West, it was to be in contact at least every week with Winry (Winry was also the intermediary between him and Al since contact with Xing was even more complicated) and his parents. Well, at least he did it by sending a letter every week since, due to the distance, his letters took longer than that to reach their addressees, the same happening with the ones sent to him and even with a longer delay since Winry, Roy and Riza had to verify the time he would be in a certain city because the hotels or residences where he stayed used to change every few weeks. Ed would have loved to be able to hear the voices of his loved ones but had to limit himself to doing so only a couple of times during his entire trip because of connectivity problems and the exorbitant cost of a single call.

But anyway... he didn't have to worry about that anymore because in just a few minutes he would be face to face with his parents and in a couple more days he would be with Winry. The wait of almost a year was finally over.

Ed walked through the streets of Forêtplatz greeting a few people he bumped into along the way since, because of their previous visits and the support Winry, his brother and he had provided a couple of years ago, the three youths were relatively well known in the region.

When the blond reached the block where his parents' house was located, a smile tugged at his lips. The sun was close to setting so there was a chance that Roy had already returned from work so he was only a couple of steps away from being reunited with both of his parents.

When he knocked on the door he soon heard strange scratching noises and soft squeaks which made him raise an eyebrow. However, he didn't have time to delve into his thoughts because after a few seconds he could hear his mother's voice.

"Come on, stay there." Riza's voice was heard accompanied by the sound of her footsteps as she approached the door.

Riza opened the door carefully but as soon as her eyes met the golden ones, a huge smile appeared on her face as she opened the door all the way. "Edward!"

"Hi, Mom." Greeted Ed with a smile of his own.

"Come here, son." Riza said as she drew him into her arms. "Why didn't you tell us you were coming to visit? We could have picked you up at the station."

Ed laughed. "Let's just say I wanted it to be a surprise. Plus by arriving unannounced I can verify that the old man really is behaving properly with you."

Riza couldn't help but let out a light chuckle. She was extremely happy to see her son after so many months. "Everything's going great around here, son." She pulled away to place a hand on the blond's cheek brushing her fingers over the slight beard Ed was currently sporting. "You must be exhausted."

Realizing that Riza had concluded that from the slight beard he wore (the blond preferred to be completely shaved), Ed said. "Kind of, though this is the train's fault. It seems that the tracks needed maintenance so I didn't want to risk cutting my neck." He concluded with a slight joking tone at the end.

"Good of you for letting me know. I'll make a point of getting that information to the appropriate office." Interjected Roy, who was unable to remain in the room having distinguished his son's voice.

"Roy, what about the puppies?" Riza said with a slightly reprimanding tone as she pulled her hand away from Ed's face to turn to look at the black-haired man.

"Everything is under control." He said with a slightly cocky smile. "Besides, my little boy is more important isn't it, Ed?" He said with a marked emphasis on the word.

"I don't understand which little boy you're referring to, old man." Ed replied in the same way.

"I guess I'll have to side with Edward on this one, honey. Our son is the same height as you, if not a little taller." Said Riza with a smile of false innocence.

Roy paused for a few moments in his advance toward the door, frozen at the truth that loomed in Riza's words. Trying not to be obvious, he swept his gaze over the blond, realizing that he did seem to have acquired a couple of extra inches during his trip. Before he left, Roy had noticed that the boy was about his own height but had held out hope that he wouldn't grow beyond that.

"Feeling the years on you already, Dad?" said Ed teasingly.

Roy snapped out of his trance and walked over to his son to give him a hug with a couple of pats on the back. "Miracles really do happen."

Ed returned the hug though then pulled away with a frown. "I should have made sure I got here when you weren't home."

"Oh, you know you missed me just like you missed your mother."

Ed just smiled and didn't answer him, though with that Roy was more than sure he wasn't wrong in his thinking.

Roy reciprocated the smile and leaned over to pick up the suitcase but before he lifted it he began to feel light thumps against his legs.

"Roy!" He was lightly scolded by Riza as she bent down to pick up one of the puppies lying at Roy's feet.

"Wow." Ed reacted quickly and scrambled into the house so he could close the door. "Where did these puppies come from?"

Roy flashed an apologetic smile at Riza before replying to Ed. "Can't you imagine?"

Ed looked at the white puppy Riza was carrying and then bent down to pick up a white with black one that immediately began licking his hand just as it was trying to lick his face when the blond leaned it against his chest. "Looks like you're grandparents already, right?" He said with a grin.

Roy made an exaggerated grimace of distaste at the word as Riza rolled her eyes and smiled. "Indeed. Looks like Hayate didn't want you to beat him at that whole starting his own family thing."

Upon hearing his name, Black Hayate approached the entrance panting happily only to sit a few steps behind his owners.

Ed blushed slightly at Riza's words. "Hey... you sure kept it quiet, Hayate." Ed joked earning a friendly bark from the canine.

"What do you say if we go to the dining room? There's a lot to tell you but mostly we're anxious to hear about your adventures." Roy said.

"Yeah, plus then I can cook you something." Said Riza.

Feeling his appetite kick in at the thought of Riza's seasoning, Ed nodded. "Sure, though I hope you don't mind staying up a little late because my letters came up short."


After a couple of hours of pleasant chatting and filling their bellies with hot food, the three decided to move into the living room to continue chatting. They continued like this for several minutes until Roy and Riza noticed that Ed was beginning to yawn more frequently.

"I think we'd better let you get some rest. You've had a long trip." Roy said.

"You may be right." Agreed Ed with a yawn.

"I'll go get your room ready. Would you like a hot bath before bed?" Riza asked as she stood up.

Ed stretched his neck sideways a couple of times before answering. "I'd rather sleep but I think I need it."

"Then give me a couple of minutes while I heat up the water." She said as she patted him lovingly on the shoulder.

Ed placed his hand on top of Riza's and smiled at her. "Thanks, Mom."

Riza reciprocated his smile and turned around to head for the bathroom.

"I'll handle your room." Roy said as he stood up.

"Wait." Ed grabbed him by his shirt sleeve. "Can we talk?"

Roy raised an eyebrow as he sat up. "I'm confused. So what do you call what we've been doing the last few hours?" He asked in a joking tone.

To Roy's surprise, Ed didn't frown or respond to his joke in the expected way. "I know... it's just that there's something else I need to talk to you about." He said as he ducked his gaze and a slight blush began to take hold on his cheeks.

Roy smiled, "It's about Winry isn't it?"

The blush intensified. "Yes."

Roy ruffled his hair a little before leaning back fully into the couch. "Well, I'm all ears." He said as a sense of joy and pride filled his chest. No doubt his relationship with Ed had improved considerably over the years but he couldn't help but appreciate every moment that made him enjoy the father-son relationship that for so many years he had longed for, especially considering that a couple of years ago Ed still had some reluctance to discuss matters of a romantic nature with him.

Ed inhaled deeply before making contact with Roy's gaze. "The time you bought the ring for Mom... how did you know it was time to do it?"

Roy shrugged. "I don't know. It wasn't an idea that came to me overnight, nor was it something I overthought. There was just a moment when I realized how in love and used to your mother's presence I was and how much I wanted our life to always be next to each other. I didn't know the exact moment but the moment I bought the ring I was certain that I couldn't see my future without Riza in it."

"I see..."

Roy smiled. "Isn't it a little late to ask me? I mean, you and Winry have been engaged almost a year now, haven't you?"

Ed just blushed some more.

Roy turned serious. "Ed, son, you're not regretting proposing to her, are you?"

"No!" Ed exclaimed immediately. "Well... I'm absolutely certain that there is and will never be anyone who will ever take the place Winry has in my heart." He said with conviction before ducking his head slightly somewhat embarrassed. "But I..." He gulped. "I don't know if I'm the best fit for her."

"Best fit? What do you mean?"

"Well, you know... Winry is just a wonderful woman. She has a huge heart and is really caring. She may hit me from time to time but I've usually earned those hits." He said, unable to help a slight smile. "But... when I get to thinking about everything I've put her through... She was always there for Al and me, supporting us and encouraging us so we wouldn't let each other down even though we weren't or rather I wasn't exactly someone who was good at keeping in touch." He confessed with a grimace.

"We all make mistakes, Ed, but even so it doesn't seem to me that you've done her any harm that would make it necessary for you to reconsider your "worth" in front of her. Besides these years you've been dating I've seen nothing but joy and love between you, not to mention you've gotten considerably better at that keeping in touch thing."

Ed sighed and put a hand to the back of his neck. "I've been trying to take care of that aspect but I don't know if that's enough."

Roy couldn't help a slight chuckle. "Please, from what Winry has told us, she's gotten a lot more letters and details from you than your mother and I get." Ed blushed. "What's more, I think I should be complaining to you about it." He said in a joking tone.

Ed laughed briefly but Roy noticed that his shoulders still betrayed some tension so he put a hand on his shoulder. "There's something else, isn't there?"

Ed stared into his eyes for a few seconds before answering. "It's just that during the ride back I had a lot of time to think." He averted his gaze to the front. "While I was in Creta and Aerugo I met a lot of people. Both nice people and surly people. You remember a few times I told you about Fred and Max, don't you?" Roy nodded his head. "They're nice guys and really helped me better understand the elements of what they consider to be alchemy. They were a few years older than me but the three of us are similar in our likes of science and travel."

Ed paused to gather his thoughts, an occasion Roy took the opportunity to pull his hand away, raise an eyebrow and ask. "What does all that have to do with your engagement to Winry?"

"Our personalities aside, the three of us are a lot alike." Ed said as if the conclusion was obvious.

"I still don't understand you."

Ed snorted. "I thought I knew them well but when our trip together ended I found out some things about Fred. Disturbing things." He sighed. "When we got to Maireburg he invited us to his house for lunch. We thought it would be casual, you know, buy fast food and a couple of beers." Roy arched his eyebrow even more. "Well, one for me." The blond added in a mumble since his resistance to alcohol hadn't changed much in the last few years. "Anyway, it turns out that Fred is married and has 3 kids and he never told us about them. What's more, I'm more than sure that on no occasion did he ever make an attempt to communicate with them. Anyway, his wife is very kind and his children are quite nice, even though one of them tried to use my journal as a drawing notebook." He recalled with a slight smile.

"And this all relates to Winry because..." Roy began.

"Because despite her kindness it was obvious that Fred's wife wasn't entirely happy. Her look gave her away. Fred came home as if he had just returned from a simple trip to the market. His children were extremely excited about his return but he just smiled at them and practically tried to send them to their rooms so they wouldn't interrupt us. His wife also tried to make small talk but all he did was ask her to cook dinner for everyone." He clenched his left hand into a fist. "It was so awkward."

Roy also grimaced in annoyance. "I can't believe there are men like that."

"Well, there are." Ed said bitterly. "Fred's knowledge is incredible and as a person, discounting his family situation, I thought he was nice but now I can't see him the same way. When we finished dinner, he walked us out to get a cab. Max and I couldn't contain ourselves and asked him how he had kept his family a secret all these months and do you know what he replied?"

Roy shook his head.

"He told us he didn't understand why that got our attention. That it wasn't important." The blond's knuckles turned white from the pressure he was exerting. "He said he loved to travel and that his wife knew what she was getting into when she married him. Plus, he started laughing when he told us we didn't have to make such a fuss, telling us that his wife was more than used to it because there were more days he was on the road than those he spent at home."

"Bastard." Roy said angrily. He knew that not all fathers and husbands fulfilled their role as one would expect but he had never understood how there could be people like that. The mere thought of being away from Riza and Ed without hearing from them made him uneasy and this guy kept traveling around without giving them the importance his wife and kids deserved.

"That's what I thought." Ed said in a tone similar to that of his father. "I was grateful for everything he taught me and his help on the trip but I ended up realizing that as a person he's actually someone awful." An image of Shou Tucker briefly popped into his mind but Ed did his best to push it away as quickly as possible. "Worst of all, it seems his wife has no choice. Max also noticed how unhappy Fred's wife seemed to be so, when we arrived at our hotel, he told me that he was sorry to see her like this but there was nothing that could be done about it because in Aerugo divorce is terribly frowned upon. Divorce would mean serious hardship for Fred's wife simply because of the widespread rejection by society that her divorce would bring upon her and her children." Ed concluded with a grimace.

"Gosh, and here I thought Amestris was a little behind on some of society's issues."

Ed nodded and inhaled deeply before continuing. "Anyway... I know they're different circumstances but Fred's family situation got me thinking." Roy looked at him intently though the blond kept his gaze straight ahead. "Really what's the difference between Fred and I? We both have similar interests and we have people waiting for our return."

Roy finally understood what his son's point was. "Are you afraid that something like Fred and his family will happen between you and Winry?"

"Yes." Ed replied as he turned to stare at Roy. "I tried my best on this trip to gather as much information as I could but there are still many things that are missing from our investigation. I don't know the details of Al's investigation but I doubt that, at this point, the information from both of us will be enough to accomplish our goal. That means our travels will not end soon. And, honestly, travel is something I still enjoy." He confessed. "I don't want to be an absent figure in my life with Winry. I want to make her happy, not have her worrying and insecure about when I'll be back. Win is fantastic and has always gone out of her way to support me so I know she won't stop me from continuing to travel but what if I turn her into someone submissive who doesn't express how she really feels? In Amestris divorce is a more normalized thing but, incredibly, she has great patience for me in such matters so I doubt she will ask me to, even though that might end up being in her best interest." Ed said without pausing noticeably so he finally had to pause for air, an occasion Roy took the opportunity to interject.

"Son, you're a fool." The lack of a scowl or an insult coming from the blond confirmed to Roy once again the seriousness with which the blond was speaking to him. "It's normal to have certain doubts before taking a step as big as marriage is but you're focusing on things that have nothing to do with you. You love Winry don't you?"

"Of course. I love her with all my heart." Ed said managing, as he rarely did, to contain the blush that almost always accompanied his cheeks when he spoke of sentimental matters.

"Then you have nothing to worry about. You simply have to focus on that love. As a couple you will not be exempt from having problems and difficulties throughout your relationship and marriage but that will not define you but rather how you strive to overcome the obstacles that life may throw at you."

"But there is a good chance that the problems will arise because of me."

Roy sighed heavily and placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. "You say that taking Fred's situation as a reference?"

"Yes... well that and that, a few years ago, it seemed that trouble followed me wherever I went."

"Edward, use your head, please." He said as he lightly tapped the back of his head with the hand he had on the young man's shoulder and then returned it to the same position. "You and Fred may share interests but you are completely different people. You are a truly brave, selfless, big-hearted young man."

"You say that because I'm your son." Ed grumbled.

"No, I'm saying it because that's who you really are. Remember, even before I knew you were my son I didn't mind reminding you how annoying and ill-timed you can be. So I think I've earned the right for you to believe my words when I talk about you." He said with a slight smile. "That's why I can say, without fear of being wrong, that right off the bat there is an abysmal difference between you and Fred. You are indeed a person who cares about his loved ones and would give even his own life for them. That's why, even if you continue to travel, I trust you will find the perfect balance to continue your vocation and your family life."

"But what if Winry isn't comfortable with my lifestyle?"

Roy snorted. "Please, do you really think Winry won't express her honest opinion? Ed, you well know that just as you are pursuing your dreams and interests Winry is also doing the same with hers. Don't tell me you're now pretending to change and plan to stop her from doing what she likes."

"No, I would never do that." Ed replied immediately.

"Then what are you worried about?" Roy smiled. "You may be at a young stage in your lives but you two have shown how much you care and love each other. Maybe previously Winry worried about your travels not hearing from you but you've gotten much better at that habit so I'm sure she's not going to stop you from continuing to travel just as I know you're not going to stop her from continuing to improve with automail in Rush Valley." Roy concluded sincerely knowing that Winry had been spending a few seasons in the automail city over the past few years to improve her technique and become officially certified as an automail engineer.

The tension in Ed's shoulders eased almost completely. "I guess it all comes down to having good communication, doesn't it?"

"Exactly. Well you know your mother and I have had our difficulties but a lot of them were mainly due to not communicating properly but when we did things got better and better." He gave his shoulder one more squeeze and pulled his hand away. "Between a couple it is common for a few problems to arise here and there but with communication, love and most of all mutual work you will be able to overcome them and nurture your relationship."

"It doesn't matter that I got off to a bad start with this whole marriage thing?"

"What do you mean?"

Ed blushed slightly. "You know... when I proposed to Win without having a ring with me."

"Ah." Roy said. While when their son had told them over the phone that he had become engaged to Winry and the way he had initially done it had seemed like an unconventional way to do it, after thinking about it for a few seconds he had realized that Ed's statement and Winry's subsequent response really represented them and perfectly conveyed the love they had for each other so, while he didn't miss the opportunity to tease him somewhat, shortly afterward Roy had told him that he didn't have to worry about the absence of the ring. "Do you want me to repeat what I told you that time?" He asked with a smile.

"So you really believe me when I tell you that I had already thought about proposing and it wasn't just an impulse?"

"Definitely. What's more, your confession really reflects how you are and from the way Winry responded to you I'm sure the two of you will be very happy together."

Ed sighed letting out the remaining tension that lingered in his body to subsequently smile. "I wonder what we did to deserve such wonderful women like Mom and Winry."

Roy laughed. "I've wondered the same thing for years now."

Ed laughed lightly.

"Better?" Roy asked.

"Better." Conceded Ed with a smile. "Who would have thought you'd be good with this dating advice stuff, old man."

Roy's smile widened. Over time his relationship with Ed had improved but being able to guide him through such an important stage in his life made him extremely happy, especially considering Ed had taken his time to open up to him for those kinds of topics.

"Well, you'd better take that bath so you can get some sleep." Roy told him as he patted him on the back before getting up but before he could stand up, Ed stopped him.

"Wait." Ed's cheeks flushed again. "There's one more favor I want to ask you, Dad."

"Huh? What is it?"

"Well, you see... maybe I'm doing things a little backwards but I really want to give Win a ring. Only that no matter how hard I searched and searched I couldn't find the perfect ring for her."

"I see... in Central there are several jewelry stores with very beautiful pieces, would you like me to go with you to find one?"

Ed shook his head. "No, more like I want you to help me make one."

Roy raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're asking the right person that question? In the military they don't teach goldsmithing." He said with a wry smile.

"What about alchemy, you bastard?" Ed said with a frown.

Right... Trying not to give away his forgetfulness, Roy said. "I know, son. I was just joking around a little."

"Sure." Ed said sarcastically. "Anyway, can you help me?"

Roy smiled pleased at the important mission his son was asking of him. "Of course. I've never made jewelry with alchemy but it shouldn't be that hard, just give me a couple of days to get the necessary materials and to think of some circles so we can define the final design. Do you prefer gold or silver?"

"Oh wow, wait." Said Ed bringing his hands to his front taking advantage of Roy having paused in his plans about the ring. "Actually all I need is for you to do the transmutation." The blond moved his hand to his pants pocket and pulled out a couple of small boxes which he handed to his father. "Hold these for a moment." He said then got up to go get his suitcase. As soon as he picked it up he returned to his spot on the couch placing the suitcase between him and Roy, opening it and beginning to search through it under Roy's watchful eye. "Here." He said as he extended towards the black-haired man a bag with some objects inside it, without raising his gaze. "They're souvenirs."

Roy blinked a couple of times before scanning with his eyes what he could manage to see as he couldn't open the bag as it was due to having one hand occupied with the little boxes Ed had previously given him. From what he could see there was a book, a pen inlaid with some stone with a subtle sparkle, a strange keychain made from a sizable fang and a few more items plus his sense of smell picked up the unmistakable aroma of a good coffee. "Thanks."

Ed shrugged but couldn't disguise the smile on his lips. A few seconds later he pulled out another bag similar to the one he had given Roy and set it on the small table in front of the couch. From the similarity to the one he himself had and from the small glimpse of a small wooden box adorned with an elegant engraving and some pebbles, Roy realized that this was the bag of souvenirs for Riza.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Roy set his bag down next to Riza's so he could get a better look at what was in Ed's suitcase. It was the classic suitcase the young man had used for years but, surprisingly, the blond had managed to squeeze in at least two changes of clothes, the bags of souvenirs, a couple of books, a couple of curious tools with a stylized 'WR' engraving, a few more small boxes that probably held earrings and a few more items that were surely souvenirs for the Rockbells, the Curtis, Al and Rebeca.

"How did you manage to get so much stuff in?" Roy asked intrigued.

Ed shrugged. "I had to find a way to do it because I couldn't fit any more stuff in the other one." Seeing Roy's questioning look, Ed added. "I left it stored in the station storage room. If I left any more souvenirs for you in it I'll send them to you later or I may even come again to give them to you." He concluded with a smile.

Roy returned the smile. "You shouldn't have bothered, Ed. You coming to see us is more than enough."

"How cheesy you are, old man." Ed joked although the sincere smile remained on his lips.

"Maybe I'm cheesy but you, my dear son, are no slouch. With so many souvenirs you bring Winry I can't believe you've had such an existential crisis. It's more than obvious you were thinking about her the whole time."

Ed's cheeks flushed. "Well... she's my fiancée." He said diverting his gaze to his suitcase as he finally found what he was looking for: his journal.

Gently opening the journal, Ed pulled out a sheet of paper that was neatly folded. He closed his suitcase and on it he placed the extended sheet revealing that it contained a detailed transmutation circle.

"I need you to use this circle for me."

Roy bent slightly so he could better review the elements of the circle.

"The measurements of the materials are already marked on the transmutation circle and I also already have them measured correctly in the little boxes I gave you. Winry needs a really resistant ring and of certain dimensions so that it won't cause her inconveniences when working with automail. That's why its main composition is going to be gold, silver, copper, platinum and rhodium. The proportions are marked on this part of the circle." Ed said as he pointed a finger to the upper left side of the circle.

With enormous enthusiasm, Ed continued to explain in detail the elements that made up the transmutation circle that would result in the engagement ring for Winry. Honestly Roy would have only needed a couple of minutes of review and analysis to familiarize himself with the circle in order to activate it properly but the look and the excitement with which the blond was giving his explanation made him remain silent as he listened attentively to his son at the same time that a smile was present on his lips.

"Okay, I think that's it. All clear or do you need me to repeat any part?" Ed said when he finally finished providing all the details of his circle.

"Who do you think you're talking to?" Roy asked, unable to help the slightly smug tone.

Ed rolled his eyes. "You better not screw this up."

"Take it easy, son. I know how important this is to you. Besides, if I made a mistake surely your mother would kick me out of the bedroom indefinitely and we don't want that, do we?" He said with a joking tone at the end.

Ed smiled. "Tempting but we'll find something else for you to screw up later. Go on, hurry up." He said, pointing his head at the circle resting in the middle of the two of them, unable to disguise how anxious he was to see the result.

"Okay." Roy replied with a smile as he placed the metals and stones that came in the little boxes Ed had given him minutes before in the center of the transmutation circle. With exaggerated motions he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt slowly before looking Ed in the eye while maintaining his smile throughout. "Ready?"

"Just get the damn thing done!" Replied Ed with a frown due to the impatience he was feeling.

With a quick mental review of the considerations he needed to keep in the back of his mind for the transmutation to be a success, Roy brought his hands down and pressed them against the circle bringing forth the classic blue light. After a few seconds, the light extinguished and left a silver ring in its wake. Roy was about to take it to take a look at it before handing it to Ed but the young man was quicker.

Roy thought about joking with the young man regarding the urgency he had but the joke couldn't leave his lips when he noticed his son's golden gaze. Ed held the ring up to his face and, although it was closer to the blond than to him, Roy opted to observe the ring's features from his position. It was a silver ring whose band was crossed but before reaching the top both bands joined in a small line to accommodate the small sapphire gemstone that adorned the center and was guarded by a small diamond on each side. Said gemstones protruded minimally as they had been perfectly embedded in the ring to make it as discreet yet beautiful as possible. From his position Roy couldn't see the inscription that had been engraved inside but it was very present in his mind from the moment he perceived that part of Ed's design: I love you, automail freak.

Without being able to help it, Ed's smile grew bigger the more he looked at the ring and that also increased the smile that Roy wore because his son's happiness filled him with so much warmth.

After a few minutes of silent observation, Roy decided it was time to speak. "Well?"

Ed enclosed the ring in his fist and brought it to his chest, just above his heart as he closed his eyes for a moment. "It's perfect." He inhaled deeply and opened his eyes to meet his golden gaze with Roy's onyx. "Thank you so much, Dad."

The words and the way Ed had spoken, made Roy feel overcome with emotion which in turn was translating into the beginnings of a lump in his throat. So he cleared his throat a little and patted Ed's leg before daring to utter a word. "You have nothing to be thankful for, son. It was quite a pleasure." He smiled. "Besides, all the design and calculations were done by you. All I did was lend you my hands." He concluded with a brief laugh.

Ed smiled and dutifully placed the ring in a new jewelry box he pulled out of his other pants pocket. "It was the least I could do. Win deserves the best."

"And I'm sure that with you she's found it." Ed's eyes met his again. "Son, I know I've already told you but I want to make it very clear to you. I'm sure you and Winry will know how to make the right choices to have a wonderful life together. Winry is an extraordinary young lady and you are fortunate to have a woman like her by your side." Ed wanted to voice his confirmation on that but Roy wouldn't let him interrupt him. "But don't forget that she's also lucky to have a man like you by her side." He placed his hand on the blond's shoulder. "Any doubts you had about that are unfounded. Your love for her has no comparison and, despite the trips and your own interests, I'm sure she will always be your priority as well as you will be hers. From the moment you informed us that you were engaged to her I had no doubt in my mind that the two of you are going to be very happy together and with each passing day I am more and more convinced of this. I mean, for one, not everyone would have put the time and effort into creating the ideal ring."

Ed's smile grew as Roy's speech went on. "Like you wouldn't have done the same for Mom."

Roy gave him a couple of pats. "Let's just say I got lucky finding the perfect ring for her in a store but believe me if I hadn't, I would have resorted to the same method."

"You hadn't even thought of that." Ed joked then leaned back a little more on the couch and exhaled happily. "I can't wait to see her face when I give it to her."

"Maybe I should go with you to make sure you're not going to screw it up."

"Hey." Ed grumbled. "I'm not going to screw it up."

"Well then I'll go see the show. Come to think of it, what kind of father would I be if I never humiliated my son with my fatherly love?" Roy said teasingly.

Ed grimaced. "Mom wouldn't let you do that."

"Oh, believe me. Even if she denies it, I'm sure she'd find the idea highly entertaining."

Ed's golden eyes widened a little in fright at the thought of Roy making good on his threat but, fortunately, Riza came to his rescue.

"Don't let that fool you, Edward. I love your father with all his nonsense but I don't relish the thought of joining him in his machiavellian schemes." Said the blonde as she approached them. "And if you ask me to I'll take it upon myself to chain him here as long as he doesn't do anything foolish." She concluded with a smile.

Ed reciprocated her smile. "So, I have a request for you, Mom."

"Hey." Roy complained. "Riza, love, you're supposed to be on my side. I know this little one is a fundamental part of our life." He said as he rubbed Ed's hair for a few seconds before the young man pulled his hand away with a slight frown at the words 'little one'. "But you should be more willing to accede to my ideas. I have seniority right."

Riza rolled her eyes, amused. "Then I have the same seniority right too, don't I? In that case, how about we make some copies of your baby pictures and circulate them around Command?"

Roy blanched for a moment. "Riza, why?"

Riza stopped in front of him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You were an adorable little boy. So I'm sure the soldiers would appreciate a nice distraction during their workday."

Ed laughed and Roy spoke with dismay. "You wouldn't."

"Don't challenge me, honey." Riza said with a smile of false innocence.

Ed let out one more chuckle before standing up. "Thanks, Mom. I'll leave you with him to wrap things up." With a mischievous grin he added. "It's good to know who wears the pants in this house."

"In a few years, if not just a few months, you're going to be the same or worse." Roy said.

Ed shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe but at least you already admitted it." He said with the same smile as before. " Well." He stretched his arms above his head. "I'm going to go take that bath because I'm dying of sleep."

Riza sat down next to Roy, sitting in the spot Ed had previously occupied. "I also took the liberty of getting your room ready so you're all set."

"Thanks, Mom." Ed leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "By the way, in this bag are some souvenirs for you. I hope you like them." He said with a smile as he pointed to the aforementioned bag with his head.

"Oh, son. You shouldn't have bothered."

"Not at all. It was no bother at all." A yawn came from the blond which prompted him to turn around and start directing his steps towards the bathroom. "Good night." The young man waved goodbye raising his left hand over his shoulder as was his custom.

"Good night, son. Sleep well." Roy and Riza said in chorus.

When the sound of the shower came on, Roy, who already had an arm around Riza's shoulders, said to her. "So, how long have you been spying on us?" He asked with a smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Riza said feigning innocence.

"Oh, really?" Roy kept his smile as he rubbed his nose against Riza's cheek. "So you were heating the water with a match?"

Riza smiled. "I remind you that I also prepared Edward's room."

"And I remind you that we keep the room clean all year round."

Riza kept her smile. "You sure know me, Mr. Mustang." She said as she turned to give him a kiss on the cheek. "I didn't mean to overhear you but I overheard that Edward wanted to talk to you about something important and I didn't want to be the bad third of that conversation."

"Of course I know you, Mrs. Mustang." Roy replied, giving her a kiss on the head. "And you well know that there will never be an occasion where you will be a bad third when I am involved."

"Roy..." The blonde shifted slightly so she could look him in the eye but without moving the arms away from around her. "You know I enjoy every moment I get to share with you and Edward but on this occasion our son needed a talk with his father." She brought her hand to Roy's cheek. "And you deserved to have that time with him. Besides I'm sure you knew how to handle the situation perfectly because, even though I know Edward is happy to be back in Amestris, before he went to bathe I noticed his eyes sparkled even more." She told him with a loving and proud smile.

"So I'm not a failure as a father?" Roy asked in a tone mixed of joking and seriousness.

"Not at all. You're actually a wonderful father." She said as she gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "And as a father and husband I hope you don't leave this poor woman with the huge curiosity to know what you talked about." She concluded with a slight teasing tone.

Roy laughed. "You know I have no secrets from you, love."

"Well, then what do you say we go to bed and there you tell me all about it?"

"Wonderful idea." Roy said with a smile before stealing a kiss from her. He then stood up and offered his arm to Riza even though they were only going a short distance. With his free hand he took the bag of souvenirs Ed had given him as well as Riza did the same with hers and so they both, with smiles on their faces, headed to their room to chat and go through their gifts before going to bed.


The next day the family was having breakfast while having a pleasant conversation about what each one had lived in the last months in detail because the letters tended to be short and the previous day had not been enough time to catch up with each other.

Despite having finished breakfast, the three remained at the table to continue talking until noon, taking advantage of the fact that Roy had the day off and that, after some phone calls, Riza had managed to leave everything organized at Ishval's support association so that she could spend the day with her son.

After the three emptied their second cup of coffee, Ed announced that he would be taking the next day's train to Rush Valley. Roy and Riza would have liked to spend more time with him but Ed told them he was anxious to see Winry which made them smile. Also the blond assured them that as soon as he and Winry returned to Resembool (In the last phone call they had had Winry had told him that in a few weeks she would be returning to Resembool to check on her grandmother and to take care of her clients there) they would visit them as soon as possible.

Once the matter of their next visit was settled, Ed stood up and picked up his and Riza's mug to take them to the sink. "Well, I'd better hurry. I better not run out of tickets." He said as he set about washing the dishes so he could change since he had spent the morning in his pajamas.

Riza stood up as well. "I got this, son."

Ed shook his head. "I'll do it, it's the least I can do to thank you for always making such delicious food for me, Mom." He replied with a smile. "Besides, you must be tired of washing up all the time." The blond couldn't help but add.

"Hey." Roy stood up. "For your information I'm quite the housekeeping expert."

"But you don't even know how to take good care of yourself." Ed replied in a mocking tone.

Roy crossed his arms. "Sure I can."

Ed finished washing up and turned off the water faucet before turning in Roy's direction and replying. "Oh yeah? Then why are you keeping that worm over your mouth?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

Roy was speechless for a moment until he reacted and brought a hand to his face to run a finger over his upper lip. "Are you referring to my mustache?"

Ed laughed. "Mustache? You call that a mustache? More like you look like you have food smeared on your face or something." He continued to laugh, enjoying Roy's mortified face.

From the day before, Ed had been surprised at the "mustache" his father now sported but, although he wanted to laugh from the start, he refrained from commenting on it because he didn't want to start an argument from the beginning of his arrival and because he didn't want to get off on the wrong foot when he really needed his father's advice regarding his relationship with Winry. But now that he didn't have to worry about it anymore...

Ed continued to laugh. "If you want a mustache so bad you'd better buy one of the ones they use with costumes because with the one you have now you look really ridiculous."

Roy blushed. "You're envious because you can't grow a mustache."

Ed raised an eyebrow and ran a hand over his chin that had been perfectly shaved that morning. "If I wanted facial hair do you think I'd shave as often? Besides if I have your genes do you think I'd risk ending up with a mustache just as ridiculous as yours? No thanks. I'll pass."

The dismay on Roy's face made Ed's grin widen. Done. Throughout the time they had spent at the table Ed noticed that Roy constantly ran a couple of fingers along the right end of his mustache clearly trying to draw attention to that subject (naively hoping for a compliment about it) and on almost every such occasion he could notice a slight grimace of displeasure on Riza's part or the way she would discreetly roll her eyes. With those actions Ed had more than enough evidence to know that his mother didn't like Roy's new look at all but was either too kind or her own love for the black-haired man prevented her from hurting his pride by telling him she didn't like his mustache.

Noticing that Roy was still speechless, Ed laughed some more and walked over to him. "I won't traumatize you anymore, old man. I'll go change." He patted him on the shoulder and subsequently walked over to Riza to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks." Riza murmured in his ear as he leaned in to kiss her and Ed simply smiled at her and headed off to his room leaving Roy with an existential crisis regarding what he thought up to that point was a look that demonstrated his incredible maturity and commitment to every single activity he did.


The next morning the family prepared to leave first thing in the morning, each with different destinations: Roy to the Command, Riza to the association and Ed to the train station. Roy would be in charge of dropping everyone off at their destinations (starting with the train station) as he now had the car he had had for years to get around in East Town (after Roy and Riza got married and had completely finished moving in, Roy had gone to pick it up and now used it to get to work since although the Command was somewhat far from town it was more practical to travel in the car than by train).

"Edward, son, are you ready?" Riza asked as she peeked into her son's room. As she did so a smile formed on her face to find the blond squatting down to play with one of Black Hayate's puppies with a small rope.

"I'm coming, Mom." Ed replied without taking his gaze off the puppy.

"He seems to have taken a liking to you, why don't you keep him?" Riza said as she entered the room. Since their arrival, the little canine had followed Ed around whenever possible, continually clinging to the bottom of his pants with his little fangs.

"I don't know." Ed replied in a thoughtful tone. "I know Win misses Den but I don't know if she's ready for a new puppy. Especially since it's so similar to when Den was a puppy." He said as he stood up carrying the canine in his hands to bring him up to his face level. Of the litter of puppies this one was certainly the one that looked the most like Black Hayate.

"Winry didn't ask us for a puppy when she found out about Hayate's mischief but she was very excited when she found out we would have more dogs in the house. I understand that what happened with Den was very sad but I get the impression that Winry has a lot of love to give to this little guy, that's not to mention that I know he will be very happy being with you two."

As if he understood the conversation, the puppy let out a tender bark and began to pant, sticking his tongue out as if he was smiling to convince the blond.

Ed grinned. "I think Dad will be glad to have one less responsibility in the house." He laughed and settled the canine on his free arm as he lifted his suitcase with his other hand. "I hope Winry doesn't drag me out of her apartment as soon as she sees me with him."

Riza reached over and petted the puppy a couple of times. "Trust me, I know she'll love him. I just hope this little guy doesn't suffer in the Rush Valley heat." She said as the two walked out of the room to meet Roy.

"It'll only be a couple of weeks and I'll take care of him, right, Zirconium?"

Roy, now without any trace of facial hair on his face, grimaced as he realized the puppy's new name. "Son, please don't make the poor animal's life miserable. Look at him, he's sorry he bit your pants so don't be so hard on him." He said as he pointed to the canine's innocent face.

Ed frowned. "What? That's a good name! What do you expect me to call him? Wolfram?" The blond raised his gaze to the ceiling thoughtfully for a few seconds before adding. "Hey, that one sounds even better."

Roy brought a palm to his face. "I don't know what your mother told you but, in light of recent events, you'd better leave the puppy here."

Ed's frown became pronounced as he instinctively pulled the puppy a little closer to himself. "Don't be selfish, old man. You've got four more dogs! One less isn't going to kill you."

Before the pair could continue their argument, Riza interjected. "Edward, what your father meant..." She shot a furtive threatening glance at Roy so he wouldn't try to correct what she was about to say. "Is that maybe you'd better wait until Winry meets the puppy. Wouldn't it be nice if you both chose this little one's name?" She concluded with a smile.

Ed blushed slightly as he realized that the puppy would be practically like their son. "You may be right, Mom." Adjusting his grip on his suitcase he made his way to the door. "I'll think of some names on the train ride and propose them to Win." Already having one foot outside, he added in a whisper. "I really hope he likes the name Wolfram."

With a wry smile, Roy said to Riza in a low voice. "I'm so glad that Winry knows how to keep him in line. Otherwise I wouldn't want to be in that pup's place. Though come to think of it I shouldn't be surprised since he apparently inherited your pet naming skills."

Riza raised an eyebrow. "Black Hayate is a good name."

"Whatever you say, dear." Roy kissed Riza's cheek before laughing lightly causing her to join him and after placing her hand on Roy's outstretched arm, they both walked out of the place.


The next 4 months flew by with the preparations for the Elric-Rockbell wedding.

Ed's return, the engagement ring and the new member of the family (Pirate, Winry's choice because of the black spot covering one of his eyes) motivated Winry even more to finish her pending orders in Rush Valley as soon as possible, even getting some help from Ed even if it was only to pass her some tools or run some errands for her in town.

As soon as she was free from her duties in the automail city and after having returned to Resembool to check on her grandmother, she, Ed and Pirate made a quick visit to Forêtplatz to give Roy and Riza the happy news that they would be married in 4 months, news that was no longer news to the Mustangs (they both had a little bet on how soon they would set their wedding date) but that still made them very happy as they watched the great excitement and love that could be seen in the looks of both youths.

Despite their busy schedules, Roy and Riza managed to make their way to Resembool to help their son and daughter-in-law-to-be with their wedding preparations, especially considering that the event ended up getting a little out of hand.

Like Roy and Riza, Ed and Winry had wanted a small, simple wedding with their closest ones, but as they went through the guest list they realized that the number of people they cherished and acquaintances they had at the time was much larger than they had initially contemplated. Not to mention that the number of guests unexpectedly grew with the inclusion of Riza's maternal grandfather, who had to write the event into his busy schedule claiming that as Führer it was his duty and pleasure to witness the marriage of one of the heroes of the Promised Day (Ed was already aware of Grumman's kinship to Riza but, just as his parents had done years before, they decided to keep that bond a secret. Besides, as busy as each had been, the young man hadn't had much time to spend with his great-grandfather). Being the Fuhrer, Grumman needed to come with an escort of soldiers in addition to the very escort that would accompany the Xing royalty, as Ling was not willing to miss out on such an event.

So between soldiers from Amestris, acquaintances of Ed and Al during their travels around the country and Winry's friends and clients in Rush Valley and Resembool, the number of guests became so considerable that Ed and Winry opted to set up large tents around the Rockbell home.

Despite concerns about the bad weather that was present until a few days before the ceremony, the wedding day was greeted with a pleasant sunny day that added the finishing touch to the beautiful flower decorations surrounding the venue.

Around noon the tents that covered the chairs where the main ceremony was to take place began to receive the guests and in just under an hour the place was overflowing with people, many of them chatting happily with each other or sharing greetings accompanied by piano music that had been an idea and gift from Alex Armstrong.

Just when there were only a couple of seats left, the pianist changed the song to a softer and more delicate tune signaling the start of the ceremony, so the standing guests took their places and the conversations came to an end soon after so that everyone present could focus their attention on the ceremony.

None of those present could help but smile when they saw little Elicia appear with a basket of flowers accompanied by Pirate who carried another one in his mouth in case the ones Elicia carried were not enough. With a huge smile on her face Elicia began to move down the aisle scattering the flower petals along the way although the moment also brought some laughter when Pirate dropped the basket and sat down in the middle of the aisle to scratch his neck. Elicia had no choice but to carry both baskets and bribe Pirate with a small piece of chicken she had stashed in her basket since, being still practically a puppy, everyone was somewhat unsure of the canine's inclusion in the ceremony so, at Pinako's suggestion, the little chestnut had hidden a couple of treats in her basket.

Once Elicia finished her tour and took her place in the front row on the right side to wait for her mother, the family members made their appearance. Despite the stark contrast between their heights, Sig escorted Pinako, followed by Roy and Chris. The four waited at the beautiful altar adorned by local wildflowers that the Elric brothers themselves had picked a few days earlier.

As the four took their position, Ed made his appearance being escorted by both Riza and Izumi. Although Ed had initially been a bit hesitant to ask Izumi to walk him down the aisle as well, not knowing how Riza would take it, the blond was pleasantly surprised when he and Winry went to give them the news at Forêtplatz, as Riza, unaware of his hesitation on the matter, mentioned to him that Izumi would surely like to be an active part of the ceremony. At that moment Ed confessed his plans and Riza smiled at him telling him that he had nothing to worry about since she understood that the Curtises were family too, plus she really appreciated them a lot.

Despite the huge smile Ed wore, the young man couldn't help but widen his eyes enormously and gulp saliva when he saw all the people in the place, especially noticing that everyone's gazes were now focused on him and his companions. His tension was noticeable enough to both women because, practically at the same time, they both gave him a squeeze with the hand that was in his arms, making him focus on the moment so they could start walking down the hallway. The nerves didn't go away but neither did the smile on Ed's face and that of his entire family.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids' turn began with Mei, who for the moment was going alone since Al would be walking Winry down the aisle. Behind the Xingese girl, Gracia appeared being escorted by Garfiel, whose purple suit with a flower design looked like one more of the bridesmaids' lilac dresses. A few steps behind them came Rebeca and Havoc, who had the perfect excuse to look like a couple since Rebeca needed a chaperone during the walk (neither commented on how quickly Jean volunteered to do so). The small procession was closed by Paninya and Ling, who looked like a completely different person courtesy of Garfiel, who spent several hours that morning doing the young emperor's makeup, hair and dressing him in a typical Amestris formal attire making him almost unrecognizable even to those who had met him in person before. However, these precautionary measures so that Ling could be at the ceremony as he had so insisted did not prevent his guards (led by Lan Fan) from infiltrating virtually in every row of chairs to watch his every move and any potential threat to the emperor, although it is worth mentioning that Ling's goofy grin (which even all of Garfiel's arrangements were unable to hide) denoted the air of nonchalance with which the young Xingese strutted.

Ed barely had time to roll his eyes at Ling's carefree demeanor when the pianist's song changed again. Because of the previous mini concert Armstrong insisted the pianist give them to convince them to accept his gift, the blond tensed slightly as he realized it was time for Winry to make her appearance.

From his position Ed couldn't see the entrance to the Rockbell home so with each passing second he felt the pounding of his heart echo in his ears at the anticipation and when Winry and Al finally made their appearance, the blond gasped for a few seconds. Winry looked simply stunning in her casual yet elegant dress (which matched perfectly with the rustic, natural setting that surrounded them) accompanied by the bridal veil that had been worn by her mother years before. The blonde had chosen to make a combination of several elements for her wedding attire, so the chosen dress (purchased in East City) was enhanced by a couple of embroideries here and there that Pinako had insisted on doing. The shoes had been a gift from Riza and the discreet necklace she wore was one from Izumi, which combined with a pair of earrings that Ed and Al had originally given her in conjunction with newer ones that Ed had given her in recent months.

Noticing the state her son was in, Riza leaned a little closer to Roy and he did the same as he pulled her to him. They were both smiling broadly and Roy couldn't help a slight chuckle as he realized how much Ed looked like him when he first saw Riza during their wedding.

Al and Winry moved down the aisle smiling at the guests and halfway down the aisle Winry let out a giggle at a comment that Al made in her ear most likely at his older brother's expense, as Roy had just shut his mouth as he had been opening it wider and wider with each step his future wife took towards him.

Although Winry was a very graceful young lady with more control of her emotions than her fiancé it was obvious that she was just as excited and nervous as Ed so the first thing the couple did when Al handed her over to her older brother was laugh for a few seconds since they couldn't believe that the big day had finally arrived.

After Ed gave Winry a kiss on the cheek, the family members proceeded to retire to their places in the front row, but not before hugging them and telling them how proud they were of them with hints of tears of joy at the corners of their eyes.

The ceremony went off as planned, except for the sound of Alex Armstrong and Sig Curtis' sobs about halfway through the ceremony, although, in all honesty, they should have taken that for granted, plus they weren't the only ones who had at least one tear escape during the process.

As the couple shared their vows, Riza wrapped her arms tighter around Roy's arm as, with a smile on her face, she shed a few tears. At this Roy turned his attention away from the happy couple and was met with the expression Riza wore plus he could see that at that very moment her auburn gaze was focused on Edward's smiling and blushing face.

Understanding what must be going through her mind at that moment, Roy could no longer hold back his tears so he let them run freely down his cheeks as he rested his head on Riza's head.

Taking advantage of the moment when Al approached to hand over the rings, Roy kissed Riza's head and said in a trembling voice. "Love, you did it. Our son is completely happy."

Roy's words caused Riza, being unable to utter a word, to give him a dazzling smile as the tears she was beginning to control intensified, though the black-haired man didn't care because he was convinced they were tears of joy just like the ones that kept running down his own cheeks.

And when Ed and Winry were finally declared husband and wife, and introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Elric, Roy and Riza were the first to stand up to applaud and cheer for the newlyweds as the blond couple kissed each other tenderly.