Ed had fallen asleep when Serah entered the bedroom. She stood in front of the bed, the Alchemist was laying in. His back was facing her, his hair was loose around his head. It glowed lightly in the bright moonlight, the Ishvalen sighed before turning around. She moved over to the other bed; it was placed up against the window. The Ishvalen took a seat on the bed, leaning against the board. Her eyes turned to the moon, placing her chin in her palm. Her thoughts turned to Scar, not for the first time since they met in Central. The glance in his eyes, was familiar to her but it doesn't make sense at all to her. Serah leaned forward, closing her eyes tightly; feeling lost and confused and weary and tired of anything that is going on. Just who is Scar, and why does she keep thinking about him. Her thoughts are all over the place and she can't make any sense of it, why does it have to feel this way, why is everything so confusing right now. She hates feeling like this, the distance between her and the brothers; it hurts to know that she herself is the cause of it. The feelings she feels for the moment, is causing her to being torn between telling the brothers or staying silent until she has to terms with her thoughts on her own.
Winry lifted her head as she moved back from the table where small bits and pieces are organized for her to easy find what she have already or needed to make for Ed's automail limps. She placed her chin on her palm, glancing to the side with half closed eyes. Thinking back on the conversation she had with Serah earlier, the Ishvalen is still right about that she should ask Ed and Al about why they haven't call or visit for the past three years. Instead of taking it out on Serah, Winry sighed as she closed her eyes. Feeling quite lost over what to do, what should she do? She pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind, not wanting to focus on that for the moment. Winry pulled her attention to the worktable and began working on the automail arm again.
Armstrong and Pinako was sitting in the living room, the elderly woman was enjoying a glass of whiskey with the Major. The house was quiet in a different way than normal for the household, her grandsons had come home for the first time in years. They bring a different type of home with them; it is wonderful to know that they are alive and alright. The grandmother placed her glass on the table, glancing at the Major with a stern look.
"Serah, is she good for my grandsons? And be honest." Armstrong nodded, understanding the elder woman's concerns for the brothers.
"They are good for each other; they have formed a close bond among themselves. When they met, they found what they didn't what was missing or needed."
"I hope that you are talking about the three of them and not just Serah and Ed." The tall blond Major nodded.
"I am, both of the brothers have helped her in ways that was needed, and her them."
"Good, I'm glad that Al and Ed have found someone like that. Though it is clear that Ed holds some feelings for Serah, tell me Major. Are his feelings returned?" Pinako looked up at the Major with concern clear in her eyes, she knows that she should not meld in their affairs but as a grandmother, she couldn't help but worry about the Elrics. Major Armstrong glanced at the elderly woman, as he took a sip of the whiskey.
"Young Serah keeps her feelings and emotions close to her chest, so it is uncertain to truly know what she feels for the older Elric."
"I see, well than I can only hope that his feelings might be returned someday." Pinako tapped her pipe at the ashtray twice. The major hummed in return, giving the elderly woman a knowing look.
"One day, perhaps. After all only time will tell."
Ed woke up, sitting up leaning on his arm for support. He turned to look at the spot beside him in the bed, the older Elric frowned as he saw that Serah wasn't sleeping beside him. Ed looked around the room and noticed her sleeping leaning up against the window broad in the other bed, resting her head on her crossed arms. He sighed, narrowing his brow even more as he stood up and walked over to her. He kneed on the bed, placing a hand on her shoulder; lightly shaking her awake. Ed moved his flesh arm around her back as she wrapped her arms around neck, Serah's eyes opened halfway. Crimson red eyes met golden eyes. Their faces were close, the Ishvalen's breath hitched as she become more alert while noticing how close she was to Ed's face. Time appeared to move slower as the Alchemist also realized how close they were, he immediately removed his arm from her waist as Serah pulled her arms to her chest. Ed was blushing madly as the tips of the Ishvalen's ears turned red, she leaned away from the older Elric who was apologizing with a stutter.
"Ed, it is fine. Do not worry about it." Serah crossed her arms tightly over her chest, almost like she was shielding herself. Ed's shoulders dropped, seeing her action. He shallowed as he made a decision, he didn't want her to hide from him or to shield herself. The Alchemist reached out and placed his hand on her folded arms, which caused the Ishvalen to turn to him. The older Elric had taken a seat on the bed, Serah kept staring at him.
"Serah, I understand if you feel the need to shield yourself from what's around you; but please don't think that you have to, not from me." Serah sighed, closing her eyes as she nodded once. The Ishvalen knew that, but with everything that is going on and have happened lately; she couldn't help but shield/pull away from the Elric brothers. She understands that she can confide in them, that she can explain what is going through her mind but she doesn't know if she should. The Elric brothers already have enough on their shoulders and minds, she doesn't want to trouble them with her own burdens or concerns.
"I know, I am tired and would like to get some sleep." The Ishvalen turned away from the Alchemist and laid down, with her back facing Ed who frowned in concern. Serah could sense the frustration, hurt and confusion coming from the older Elric, she brought her arms up to her chin as she closed her eyes. Ed stood up from the bed, hurt and frustration clear in his eyes.
"Damn it." He ran his fingers through his hair, before clenching his fist tightly while locking his jaw. Hating that Serah wouldn't open up to him, he thought that there were no secrets between them but apparently, he was wrong. He stacked over the door, grabbed the handle before opening the door and closing it behind him. Serah exhaled, hating being able to sense the emotions around her. It hurts to feel the frustration, hurt, and despair from the older Elric. It kills her to be able to sense the distrust coming from Ed, that his trust in her; is breaking slightly. And to know that distrust he is starting to feel; is because she can't bring herself to open up to the Elrics, to Ed. At least not yet, with her mind being all over the place. She sat up, glancing at the door before getting off the bed. The Ishvalen moved over to the door, able to sense Ed standing on the other side of the door. Serah hovered a hand over the door handle for a moment before letting her hand fall to her side. She turned around and returned to the bed, she sat down as she turned to look out the window.
The door opened to Winry's work office and Ed peeked inside, his eyes found Winry's immediately. The older Elric frowned slightly at the tired and hurt expression, the young Rockbell wore.
"Winry?"
"Why didn't you call or visit in the last three years?" Ed sighed, walking further into the work room. Winry's eyes stayed on him as he took a seat beside her.
"I have no excuse, I'm sorry."
"Three years, Ed, and no word from you; to know that you were alive or about Serah. I had to wait three years to find out about her! And you couldn't even do me the decency to call us when it was decided that she was going to travel with you and Al-" Winry huffed, folding her arms over her chest as she turned her glance away from the Alchemist. "Do you even know how much it hurt to find out, after years of her traveling with you and Al! weren't we supposed to be a family!"
"And we are! Winry!" Ed snapped, glaring at the blonde who looked taken back by the tone. He froze, seeing her expression; he let out a sigh. The Alchemist pinched the bridge of his nose while exhaling.
"I-sorry, I didn't mean to snap. I want to call but I kept forgetting and before I knew it, it had been three years.-" Winry opened her mouth but closed it when Ed held up his hand. "Which is no excuse, I know that." Ed glanced at the worktable; Winry huffed before sighing. Looking at her pseudo brother with concerned eyes.
"You are an idiot, Ed" The Alchemist huffed, turning his glance to the blonde mechanic who were smiling lightly at him.
"I know, and I'm sorry, Winry."
"Just call every now and then, I would like to hear from you and Al." Winry sighed, leaning an elbow on the table. Ed nodded in agreement; the mechanic continued staring at him. A minute passed before Ed twitched, Winry snorted before she got serious.
"Talk, Ed. What's on your mind."
"Nothing!" The Alchemist was quick to reply, waving his hand dismissing her concern.
"Don't say nothing, idiot. Not when there clearly is something bothering you." Winry crossed her arms, Ed flinched slightly before standing up. The mechanic followed his action, letting her arms drop to her sides.
"Ed!"
"Winry, no offence, but you can't help with this. It's between Serah, Al, and I." Ed placed his hand on the door handle, hearing the sharp inhale from his pseudo sister.
"Fine! Go see if she wants to talk with you then!" The mechanic snapped as she placed her hands on her hips, Ed turned around with a glare which caused Winry to drop her arms. The older Elric turned back around and opened the door, the young Rockbell took a step towards him as he walked out of the room.
"Sorry." He muttered.
"Ed, wait!" Winry reached a hand towards him as he left her view, the mechanic fell back down on the chair; the Alchemist had been using. She lowered her head to rest in her palms, angry at herself for saying that to Ed. She just wanted to help her pseudo brother, but maybe this time, she should stay out of it, whatever is going on between the trio. The mechanic turned back to her worktable, picking up a piece of metal, planning to throw herself into making Ed's automail arm.
Serah woke up earlier, having slept without Ed beside her for the first time in…months. It felt wrong to not have him beside her, the Ishvalen sighed as she got out of bed. She walked out of the room, taking her traveling bag with her. Serah stepped in the bathroom, undressing before stepping into the shower. Warm water loosened her tense muscles, as she leaned her head back; allowing the waterdrops to roll down on her face. The Ishvalen let out a soft sigh, allowing herself to forget her worries and concerns for the moment; taking the time to relax under the warm water.
Serah wrapped a towel around her hair, drying it. She wore a dark brown tank top with black leggings, a beige- red striped sash tied around her hips. And with a sand-colored skirt with a slit underneath the sash finished the outfit, the Ishvalen put on her necklace and armlets. The shades rested on the countertop, she wiped the mirror; tired and blank crimson red eyes stared back at her. The Ishvalen quickly tore her glance from the mirror, angrily grabbing her bag and shades. She left the bathroom, leaving the items on the bed; she used. Before moving downstairs, walking through the front door; needing flesh air and open space. Serah walked further into the front yard, letting the warming sun caressing her skin. She sensed the major stepping out on the front porch behind her, the Ishvalen let out a sigh, before turning around, glancing at the tall Major.
"What troubles you, young Serah?" Armstrong moved closer to the Ishvalen who turned back to look at the countryside, she sighed, knowing that she should at least talk to someone about what is going through her mind. But at the same time, she wanted it to be the Elric brothers…
"Many things, Alex."
"I understand if it is not me, you wish to talk to but perhaps I can help ease your mind with one of the many things that troubles you, young Serah." The Ishvalen took a deep breath as she turned around and stared up at the Major, his eyes widened and his lips formed a thin line as she spoke.
Pinako happened to look out the kitchen window and noticed the Major and Ishvalen, it looked serious. Armstrong looked solemn and worried while Serah wore a neutral expression, the Ishvalen gestured to the side with a hash movement of her arm. The Major appeared to try to calm her down with no success, the elderly woman sighed before turning around, leaving the pair in peace.
The rest of the day passed slowly for the household; Winry worked on the automail limps for her pseudo brother as she had basically locked herself inside her work office. Serah avoiding the Elric brothers, it was easy with Al but difficult with Ed as he looked for her every now and then. The Major spent time, helping out Pinako with housework as gratitude for housing him.
"I hope that those three will work everything out together, it's hurting them to have this wall between them."
"In due time, they will, miss Pinako." The elderly woman tapped her pipe at the ashtray with a nod.
"Good."
Serah was leaning against the railing of the porch with her arms crossed, breathing in the chilly air. The Ishvalen sensed the older Elric immediately as he stepped outside and moved to stand beside her.
"I am ready to talk now." She muttered, causing Ed to turn to her in surprise. He didn't know what made her change her mind, he thought that she wouldn't, at least not for a while.
"Through not about everything that have troubled me since we left Central." Serah straightened her back and turned to the Alchemist, Ed nodded in understanding, to him a little is better than nothing… for now. Serah turned back to stare at the darkened countryside, letting out a sigh.
"About the Philosopher's stone back at Marcoh's place when I reached for it. I was able to hear…something." Ed frowned in concern, clearly not understanding what the Ishvalen means.
"Like what?"
"…Screams of torment, agony and despair."
"Serah…"
"If we can figure out what the philosopher's stone is made of, then maybe I can understand why." Ed reached out and rested his hand on top of Serah's, which made the Ishvalen turn to him with slight surprise in her eyes.
"We will figure it out, Serah."
"I know, but will we like what we uncover?" Ed's expression turned worried and concerned, as he stared at the Ishvalen. She stared back at him with the same expression, before moving closer, resting her forehead against his. The pair closed their eyes, just taking in the moment. Able to relax for the first time since they left Central and taking comfort in each other. A long time passed before the silver haired teenager spoke, still glancing at the evening sky.
"I am sorry for pulling away, and for not explaining." Ed turned to her, letting out a sigh before reaching up and pulled her face towards him; making her look into his eyes.
"I know, Serah. While it does bother me,-" the Ishvalen opened her month, Ed moved his palm to her cheek, silencing her. Her eyes were wide, the older Elric gave her a soft smile.
"I'm going to wait until you are ready to talk." The Ishvalen could see the clear honesty and truth in his eyes, she shallowed as she took half a step closer to the Alchemist, leaning her forehead against his.
"Thank you." She whispered while she lightly rested her hands on his back, on his spine. Deeply and completely thankful for Ed's understanding even when she knows that he is concerned and are wondering about what is bothering her. It means a lot to her that he is willing to wait for her to be ready to tell him and Al of course.
Before they know it, three days had passed and it was time for Ed to get the automail limps reattached. It was mid-morning when Ed was sitting on a wooden box in the living room. He wore just a pair of beige boxes as the Rockbells lined the automail arm and leg up, Serah stood behind him. The Ishvalen being a bit more at ease, as she placed a hand on his shoulder. She watched as Winry and Pinako got ready to attach the metal limps. They lined the limps up to Ed's shoulder and thigh, Ed shallowed hard, not liking what is about to come.
"Ready? We'll start." Sweat started to appear on his forehead and brow, the Ishvalen knew that the next part is going to be painful for the older Elric. Pinako started to count from one to three, Ed reached up and gripped Serah's hand in a death grip just as the Rockbells attached the limps. His teeth gritted tightly as a hint of pain jolted through the Alchemist, Ed slowly loosened his tight grip on her hand, while letting out a sigh softly.
"I always hate the moment when the nerves get connected…"
"Don't whine, try moving your arm." Ed moved slightly his automail arm as Winry and Pinako went on to do the final touches on connecting the arm and leg.
"But I'll probably be able to say goodbye to this pain once I get my hands on the Philosopher's Stone. I'll restore our bodies and life will be great." Ed smirked slightly at the thought of getting his and Al's body back, Serah smiled softly while staring at the brothers as she placed her hands on her hips. Before the smile faded, she didn't like what she felt and heard from the stone. Something is not right to her about it, but she don't want to bother the brothers with her concerns of the Philosopher's stone more than she have talked about with Ed.
"Too bad, you're our cash cow after all."
"Yeah, don't bother restoring your bodies, isn't it cool to have automail!?" The young Rockbell asked, holding a wrench in her hand.
"The smell of oil, the squeaking of artificial muscles, the humming of bearings… and an ergonomically designed strong beautiful form… Ahh, the wonders of automail." Serah sweat dropped at Winry gushing over automail, while the girl had a dreamy expression on her face. And here the Ishvalen thought that Ed and other Alchemists were bad enough, she shrugged her shoulders.
"Machine Geek." Ed turned to his childhood friend with an annoyed look in his eyes, Winry immediately returned the look.
"Shut up, Alchemist freak."
"All set!" The granny cut off the starting arguing between Winry and Ed, the Alchemist stood up and started to stretch his metal limps. Testing them out for a moment, pressing his automail leg against the wall.
"How is it?"
"Feels good." Ed grinned down at the granny before grabbing his tank top, pulling the shirt on.
"I figure you're going to skip out on the daily maintenance anyway since you are like that, the steel that you're using now had its chrome ratio raised and is more rust-resistant. In exchange, its strength was lowered so don't…" Winry opened her eyes, right as Ed ran out the front door. Leaving her, Pinako, Serah, and Armstrong behind in the living room.
"Hey, listen up!" Winry screamed at the disappearing Alchemist, angry. Serah sighed softly as she turned to the young Rockbell, who was staring at the front door with a frustrated expression.
"Don't worry, Winry. I will make sure that he takes care of the automail." The Mechanic nodded in thanks, looking at the Ishvalen. Serah moved to step outside of the living room, walking over to Ed and Al.
"These are all of the broken pieces of the armor?" Serah watched as Ed gathered the pieces and placed them around Al on sheets.
"Yep, East city's military police gathered them all up for me." Armstrong stepped outside as well, moving over to the Elric brothers. Ed turned to Serah, the Ishvalen stepped over to him and stood slightly in front of Al.
"Will you fix him now?" The tall Major asked the young Alchemist, standing a few feet behind the trio.
"Yeah, but there's a little trick to it." Ed reached out and took Al's helmet off, showing the blood seal inside the armor.
"See the seal on the interior back?"
"Yes."
"This is acting as the medium between Al's soul and his armor. To make sure the seal doesn't get erased, I gotta fix his limps…" Armstrong leaned closer to get a better look at the seal, the dark red color stood out against the grey metal of Al's armor.
"It seems like it's written in blood."
"It is written in blood, my blood." Serah watched as the young Alchemist clapped his hands, blue energy moved around Ed and Al. As Ed fixed the torn limps to Al's armor again, the youngest Elric stood up and checked how it felt after Ed finished transmuting the pieces together. Serah moved to stand behind the older Elric and began to braid his hair. She wanted to get some normalcy back into their lives, after what have happened latterly, it has been a while since the three of them have been sparring together. Last time, it was just her and Ed, and besides, she could use a good spar right now to further clear her mind.
Serah ran towards Al and jumped over his head while Ed went for Al's legs. The armored boy threw the Alchemist back before turning around, just in time to block the Ishvalen's high kick. He pushed her away, she managed to land on her feet in a low crouch. Ed launched at his younger brother, Al slammed his arm down right in front of Ed who jumped a bit back and placed a hand on the ground as he lifted his automail leg fast up and hit Al's arm. The younger Elric gripped Ed's leg, in a tight hold before throwing the older Elric back. Meanwhile, Serah had found a weak spot and launched herself at Al, wrapping her thighs around his helmet tightly. Al gripped her forearms tight and pulled her off, throwing her at his older brother. Ed jumped back while Serah twisted around in the air and used her palms against the ground to flip her to her feet. Ed ran at Serah, throwing punches at her. The Ishvalen blocked them with a bored expression as she moved back away from the Elric Alchemist. Armstrong took notice that with the way, the Ishvalen and the young State Alchemist moved together, it looked like they were dancing around each other. Serah had been trained well by himself and Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, the Major hummed softly as he noticed the relaxed and eager expression, the Ishvalen wore. She has come a long way from where she started, all those years ago.
"What is the reason for this fighting?"
"I'm combining a performance check for the new limps with some sparring," Ed explained his reason for the sparring. Serah dropped into a crouch with her hands on the ground, pulling Ed's feet out from under him. It caused the Alchemist to fall down, he immediately flipped to his feet before going after the Ishvalen again. A glint appeared in her eye as she smirked, Ed's eyes widened as she darted behind Al. The younger Elric threw a punch at his brother who crossed his wrists over each other to block the punch.
"I wanted to clear my head, Major. And I consider sparring to be a good way to clear my mind." Serah spoke as she went under Ed who launched at her, she grabbed his shoulders and pushed her feet against his stomach. Throwing him away from her as she swiftly got to her feet right before Al came running at the Ishvalen. The silver haired teenager made a choice in that moment as she stared at the brothers, she just hopes that she will not regret it and that they will understand why she made that decision. To pull it off, she will all the help she can get from certain people. When they return to Central, Serah needs to speak with a couple of people.
"And because I wasn't able to move my body for a while, I have to restore its sense of feeling." Serah jumped back from Al, Ed and the Ishvalen glanced at each other from the corner of their eye. They nodded at each other with a smirk appearing on their lips, Ed moved to stand in front of the Ishvalen who started to run. The older Elric bent his back as he leaned forward, Serah placed a foot on the low of his back and jumped towards the armored boy. The force of the jump threw them to the ground with Serah on top. Al grabbed her shoulder and pushed her to the side before sitting up, the trio were beaming at each other.
A/N
This is so different from the previous chapter with the events of the Trio being in Resembool, but also necessary as some of it, will lean up to decisions that will be made in a later chapter.
We also got Ed and Winry having a conversion about a couple topics, a certain Ishvalen being one of them. Their sibling relationship will take some work and a few conversions with the people around them before it gets better. For the moment Winry is frustrated and hurt, she doesn't know what to do to get Ed to talk to her. While Ed don't want to bother or burden Winry or Pinako with what is going as he doesn't want to worry them more than necessary.
Pinako and Armstrong touched lightly on the topic of Ed and Serah along with what they could be feeling for each other. The elderly woman able to see clearly that her oldest grandson feeling something for the Ishvalen as he wears his heart on his sleeve while Serah is keeping her heart behind walls.
Anyway, somethings will add up later, along on the line. You just have to wait for it.
Take care and stay safe, till next time :)