Well now, as those who know me...know...I am a fic writer and nearly all of my fics revolve around Ed/Win. I decided I needed a change and so the idea forthis fic began.
It is set after my fic Parting Gift but there is no real need to read that to be able to tead this. Sadly I have created some OC's but I do hope you will take to them. They are important to the story and will become the central chracters.
Grace Elric: Around 22 years of age, living alone in Central and of course daughter to Ed and Winry
James (Jimmy) Elric: Her younger brother, around 17 years of age and travels with his father
Max Wallis (Mustang): The illegitimate child himself. 18 years of age and angry at his parents for giving him up as a baby.
For a while or so the chapters will skip between what is happenening in the present and flashbacks to a few years after the film. Please note Edward is in his world. There may be some movie spoilers but I have not followed what happened in the movie.
Chapter 1, Enter Max (present)
After twisting her neck this way and that Grace dropped her head backward and stared at the ceiling. She had been writing for about four hours now and she was feeling it in her back. She decided to make herself some tea to re-energise her body, her mind could go on forever but her body could not.
She had been living away from her family for two years now and was settled. The local residence still knew her as the Elric daughter but to the friends she made she was Grace, expert author and storyteller. She had finally released the life story of her father a year ago and it was an instant best seller. More people then she ever could have guessed wanted to know what had happened to the fullmetal alchemist, others just appreciated it as well written and informative. Either way her name became well known in the capital and she became accustomed to visitors. Truth be told she liked her own company above anything; unless she was with her family that is. Men had never been a part of her life and friends came and went. She couldn’t let herself down so solitude was the safest way to be.
She had many ideas for books but they would not be like her first. Although it was a story her first book was based on true events. Grace had lead a relatively quiet life and so had no other true life to go on. Mustang was determined she should write a book on him but his life was too stern for her to care about. Not from her point of view anyway. His loves were all flings, his interests were all military; he was a war novel waiting to happen. Grace preferred tales that ended happily after times of trauma. Mustang had no end to his tale and so a story could not be told.
James provided good character ideas. He was such a character in himself she was sure she would write about him in years to come. He was brash and headstrong it was true, but underneath he could be as soft as a kitten. They had fought when they were younger but now they weren’t living together things had calmed. She still found him immature but then he was still only seventeen.
She took a gulp of the warm liquid and settled into her favourite chair. Tea had become an addiction and she drank about five cups a day. Warm sweet tea was the only way to start the day. That and some honey on toast.
She was just pondering these random thoughts there was a knock at the door. She didn’t real feel like visitors but she didn’t want to be rude either. With a sigh she stood up and headed for the front door. Even before she reached it she heard two familiar voices chatting together through the door. The spinster twins, just what she needed.
Now in their late sixties the spinster twins still didn’t understand the concept of keeping their noses out of other peoples business. Grace had become a victim of their interference. They believed she didn’t eat as well as she could and that she should integrate herself into the community. Basically they believed she was a recluse obsessed by books. She was glad they never met Schezka.
‘Hello you two, wonderful weather today,’
‘Oh it is,’ they sang together, ‘what a wonderful day for you to meet our nephew.’
That was why they were visiting today. Their nephew was in his thirties, dreadfully dull and only cared for making model boats. Yet they believed him to be a perfect match for Grace and tried every which way to get them together. She was having none of it.
‘It would be, but I am afraid that I am meeting someone later. I am ever so sorry.’
Bite your tongue you liar.
‘That is a shame. Who are you meeting?’ Poppy asked.
Edward was never a very good liar at the best of times and poor Grace had inherited it from him. She froze as her mind struggled to come up with something quick.
‘It’s another man isn’t it dear? No need to be ashamed we understand. Your young and pretty it’s only right you go out on dates. Come on Daisy, we’ll leave her.’
Daisy nodded at her sister and together they left her standing in her doorway gawping like a fish. Grace blinked once or twice before half nodding and shutting the door.
So she had told a little white lie, who didn’t? They had decided she was meeting someone and not given her any time to come up with a better excuse. As long as she remained hidden in her house they would be none the wiser. The twins were not known for their intelligence so she was sure all was well. At least for the moment for they would be back she had no doubt. As much as they annoyed her, they were harmless and perhaps only looking out for her best interests. They were the meddling old Aunts Grace would never have herself.
Little did Grace know that for the rest of the afternoon they spied on her, waiting for this mystery date to appear. One thing they were sure of, he would not be as good as their nephew. The silly girl had no idea what she was missing out on. They took turns in looking through the net curtain, waiting for him to arrive. They ate their ginger biscuits quickly in case they concentrated on the taste too much and they stopped their spying. It was an important job they were carrying out after all for their nephew was getting on. Grace needed a man to care for her, not some boy to play around with. Nobody her own age would be mature enough to handle her.
The afternoon was about to turn into evening and the twins were going to go round again when a figure glided up the path to Grace’s front door.
‘Poppy, come look!’
They both studied him as best they could from the back. He was tall and slim in a long expensive looking coat. His shaggy hair was a deep brown and he held an air of importance. The twins had nothing to say to say to this. They wouldn’t mind such a man arriving at their door.
Grace had other ideas. She groaned as the doorbell rang fully expecting it to be the spinster two come to torment her once again. But once she reached the door and she saw a tall outline she new it wasn’t them. Slightly apprehensively she opened the door and averted her gaze upward.
There was something about his grin that turned something over in her stomach. If it had been any other girl it would have been thanks to his dashingly good looks. Dark features, heavy lidded eyes and an unspeakably fantastic taste in clothing. Yet to Grace the feeling in her stomach was nerves. Something in his knowing smile made her want to slam the door and go and hide. But she was just being silly so she remained where she was.
‘Grace, Grace Elric?’
‘That’s me.’
He nodded which made her angry. He was making it obvious he knew something that she didn’t.
‘Can I help you?’ she asked perhaps a little too lowly than normal.
‘Yes you can. My name is Max,’ he sighed. She shrugged her shoulders.
‘My name is Max, Maxamille Mustang.’
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It was a lot to try and take in all in one go. Grace had ushered Max in and indicated for him to sit down, but so far she had said nothing to him. He hadn’t uttered another word either and waited for Grace to speak up.
‘Why did you come to me?’ she asked. It wasn’t exactly the first thing she planned to ask but it was something she wanted to know.
‘I read your book Miss Elric, which I thought was fantastic by the way. You tell a tale well.’
‘So you want me to tell your tale?’
He laughed, ‘I would love you to but my life is of no real interest; not in comparison to Edward Elric anyway. My father, I know you speak to him.’
Another moment of silence. He really was trying to tell her he was the son of Roy Mustang after all. She didn’t buy it not for a second. If Mustang had a son she was sure she would know about it and her father certainly would. No, this guy was after something else thinking he could use this lie to get somewhere.
‘You know my father,’ he carried on, ‘and my mother. But you are closer to them then I have ever been.’
Fighting the urge to roll her eyes she studied him once again. She knew his mother as well did she? There was no doubt he did look like Mustang and perhaps also…
‘Miss Hawkeye? Oh come on. What do you really want? Because if you don’t tell me I will ask you to leave.’
He smirked and nodded again making her frustration grow. He was so arrogant it was untrue and she hated people like him. He had been sent by someone she was sure of it. Reporters forever stalked her father and now Grace had to suffer as well. Sometimes she cursed having a famous family and name.
He stood and filled the room with his presence. She hated him even more and she rushed passed him to open the front door and usher him out as quickly as was possible.
‘It is far fetched isn’t it?’
‘I’m so glad you noticed,’ she snapped, ‘I would thank you not to make lies about good friends of my father.’
He stopped where he stood and she had a good mind to push him to get him out. He still smiled and she began to shake, suppressing a scream. Nobody but her brother had ever wound her up so much.
‘Did you ever think to ask them?’
‘I think I would have noticed you around Max!’
‘What if I wasn’t wanted? What if it would damage their career to have me around?’
She laughed at his ridiculous words, ‘He may be as arrogant as you, but Roy Mustang would not give away his child. Riza would certainly not do something like that. Now leave, I’ve had enough of listening to you.’
‘Very well,’ he sighed, ‘It was nice to meet you Grace Elric. I am sure we will see each other again.’
Not if I can help it she thought before slamming the door.
She flopped down upon the sofa and tried to calm her nerves. He had put her on edge and she was prone to be quick to temper. Normally she would have laughed this sort of thing off, but he was so full of himself she wanted to hit his smug little face hard. If her brother was around she would have given him permission to belt him, or at least alchemize Max’s mouth shut.
She glanced down at the table. He had left something there; no doubt it was his number. Sure enough there were the numbers to call him up.
She flopped back down and marvelled at his persistence. Perhaps she would be a child and prank him, just to irritate him. No, that was far too childish; to just ignore it would be enough. She threw the card next to her and it flipped over. There was a picture on the back, probably Max posing. She picked it up anyway as it would be good for a laugh.
But laugh was the last thing she was going to do.
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Riza rubbed the towel through her hair in an attempt to get it dry. It took a while but she couldn’t face having short hair again to long it would stay.
Someone banged on her door. She started to walk toward it when they knocked again harder. This time it didn’t stop and before she opened the door Riza checked she had a weapon to hand.
The moment she undid the lock a figure burst through the door panting heavily.
‘Goodness Grace you scared me. What’s wrong?’
Grace stood glaring at her, gasping for air. She had run all the way from her own house to headquarters. She burned with rage and confusion, the woman in front of her not who she thought she was. She wiped away an angry tear still clutching the number in her hand.
‘Grace…’
‘Do you have a son?’ Grace snapped breathing heavily.
Riza stopped short, ‘I…of course not…when would I…’
‘Then how do you explain this?’ Grace cried, thrusting the photo at Riza.
She took it and glanced at it for what seemed an age. Grace took her silence as shock that she had been found out. On the picture was Riza, heavily pregnant with Mustang stood next to her.
‘Why did you never tell us? Why did you just give your son away like he was worthless? Was your job and reputation so important to you…?’
‘No Grace! Stop. It’s not what you think.’
‘What is it then Riza? Your evil twin hell bent on destroying you?’
Riza bit her lip and Grace shed another angry tear. The pair stared at each other in silence before Riza spoke again.
‘It is me Grace, but it’s not what you think. I never wanted to give my child away.’
It was now Grace’s turn to bite her lip. Her temper had driven her here and now it had achieved its goal it ebbed away. She shouldn’t have believed Riza would ever give up her own child. Grace knew how much Riza wanted to leave the military and have a family; the opportunity just never came up. Grace had done something terrible and guilt began to set in.
‘I’m sorry Riza. I didn’t mean to accuse you. I was just so…confused.’
Riza nodded. ‘I understand. We never wanted this to get out, but secrets can rarely be kept from an Elric,’ she sighed, smiling ever so slightly.
Grace blushed. Her bloodline had cursed her again.
‘I had better explain to you what happened. But you must swear Grace not to tell a soul.’
Grace agreed and settled herself down to hear a tale as unbelievable as one she had already told.
Full Version: Illegitimate Child
What? One of your BEST storys.. not being posted on.. Whats wrong with you people!
This is really awesome..
It gets really good later on!!
READ and as for updates!!
This is really awesome..
It gets really good later on!!
READ and as for updates!!
Thank-you Kit, lets give it another shot
Chapter 2 'First Signs' (Past)
Riza smiled all the way back to headquarters. She was visiting the heavily pregnant Winry nearly everyday now and she delighted in doing so. The girl was coping so well with being pregnant at her age. None of them were angry with her but Riza couldn’t help wondering if they would had Ed not vanished off the earth.
She would first report to Mustang on the progress of Winry before retreating into the quiet of her room. Nothing was happening that required the military these days and she grew bored. That was why she could see Winry as much as she did. Although Roy did not have authority over her anymore Riza was known to do things he asked anyway. He had set himself the task of making sure the Elric baby was born safely. That was where Riza had come in; taking her pistol with her wherever she went in case someone tried to hurt Winry in any way. A baby brought nothing but hassle it was true but it did not stop Riza envying Winry. The military was her life and that life did not include a child. By the time she left her post it would be too late to have her own baby so to have one did not cross her mind too often.
She knocked on his door and waited for him to call her. When he didn’t she knocked again harder but still to no avail. He had to be in as he was waiting for her to bring the information he had requested. She tried the door handle and found it to be unlocked.
The room was how it had been for the past week. Papers covered nearly all the floor space, clothes lay in a mass on the bed and a tray with a teacup was left to go stale. Riza still couldn’t grasp how men could live in such mess but she knew most were prone to doing so. Finally she caught sight of him, standing by a window with a pair of binoculars in his hand. His body was rigid as if movement would kill him.
‘Sir?’
He spun round at her voice like a startled cat. His eyes were wide but once they fell of her he relaxed. He dropped the binoculars like nothing had happened and he sat down to what remained of a desk. In an instant he was self sure all over again even with the patch covering a large portion of the left of his face. For a time it had made him quiet and reserved but that had all passed once his subordinates agreed to follow him no matter what.
‘First Lieutenant, anything to report?’
It was difficult not to question his suspicious movements but she knew better then to directly ask. Even if she did there would be little chance he would tell her. Roy Mustang, the master of keeping a secret.
‘No sir. Winry is growing increasingly agitated and tired but she is healthy. Perhaps you could visit with me sir?’
He waved his hand, ‘No no, it’s not my place to go and visit. I shall wait until the baby is born before I see her again.’
Riza nodded and left it there. They had argued before that he should go and see Winry but he was having none of it. If Riza was right in what she was thinking, Roy was scared of pregnant women. It was a mystery as to why he was but he avoided them at all costs. She shut the door behind her and sighed before heading to her own room to sleep off the stress that built up in her each and every day.
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‘Riza, get the doctor now!’ Gracier called from the stairs.
With the calm she had been taught Riza phoned the doctor and waited for him outside. Winry must be in labour for Gracier to call with such urgency. Her heart pounded in her chest but she showed none of this on the outside. Her face remained blank as she kept an eye out. She could hear the commotion going on inside and was glad she wasn’t part of it. One thing Riza hated above all others was not knowing what to do. Handling a girl in labour was certainly something Riza was unsure about. She could physically do it after having First Aid training but whether she could look at Winry in such pain was entirely different. No, her job was to get the doctor and keep an eye on the premises as the new life came into the world.
Finally the doctor appeared and she directed him to the right room. However Riza still stayed away to guard the house while everyone was wrapped up in the birth. This was a critical time and an attack could easily befall Winry in her most delicate state. For a few hours Riza stood with her eyes alert to anything suspicious until finally the doctor reappeared and spoke to her. The baby was fine, the mother was asleep and a couple of soldiers were being posted in the house opposite to keep an eye on things discreetly. Since Winry was asleep Riza headed straight to see Mustang to pass on the good news.
When she knocked on his door this time he answered straight away. Her face was clearly flushed with all the excitement as Mustang seemed to sense immediately what had happened. In turn, Riza realised he had figured it out.
‘A girl sir. It’s a girl and she and the mother are doing fine.’
He smiled and walked over to his desk to pour some tea. He offered her a cup as if they were friends without the military hanging over them. Caught up in the moment she nodded and allowed herself to finally break into a smile.
‘The daughter of Edward Elric is a very important life. She will be at risk until her father returns. It is our responsibility to guard her life.’
‘Yes sir,’ Riza agreed, taking the cup from him, ‘but sir?’
He raised an eyebrow, ‘Yes First Lieutenant?’
‘I don’t think we should tell Miss Rockbell. It would only lead to frightening her more.’
He smiled again and also began to drink his tea. Riza always thought ahead for him and that was why he kept some things a secret. When he thought about it telling Winry would only lead to scaring her. And Winry Rockbell was someone he owed above all others.
‘You are right Hawkeye. We will care for her but keep our distance. You really care for the girl don’t you?’
She didn’t reply, but took another sip of tea and left the room with a bow.
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Grace squirmed within her grip but Riza held securely onto the new life. Winry sat opposite her with such a proud smile on her face. A baby is such a precious creature that all can appreciate the effort that goes into caring for them. Riza marvelled at how Winry was coping with being a mother and wondered if she would have done as well at that age.
‘So how did you decide on the name Grace?’
‘Ah well, it was what Roy said actually.’
This halted Riza from whatever she was saying next. There had been a time when Winry felt nothing but hate for Mustang after she had discovered he was the soldier ordered to kill her parents. At the time Riza had explained to Winry she didn’t care for soldiers much and that she was in the military to protect someone. That someone had been Roy so she had defended what he had done. Winry had accepted that Roy was a good man but that had taken time. Now Winry had named her baby after his influence. She had accepted him completely and it warmed Riza in a way she hadn’t imagined.
‘I know how much Mustang meant to Edward even if he never confessed it. When it came to naming his baby, I felt bad that Ed would not get the chance to help me choose. I had so many names but none seemed right. For a while I thought about naming her after Ed and Al’s mother. Then Roy thanked Ed’s child for gracing the world with her presence, and I knew what her name should be.’
She could feel her throat tighten and Riza became at a loss what to say. For Winry to forgive someone Riza looked up to meant much. Riza held Grace tighter and bit lightly on her lip. It was unlike her to feel the urge to cry but this young mother had driven her so close to it. Riza couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so at peace. The gentle warmth and smell of the baby lulled her into an almost dream like state and Winry was quite happy to sit there in silence.
‘Riza, I don’t quite know how to ask this but…have you and Roy ever been together.’
Riza looked up at her wide-eyed.
‘Its just that, well, Schezka said that, oh…’ Winry said getting flustered and embarrassed. She knew she shouldn’t have asked but she was so curious to know. She looked at her hands in shame and hated the silence that followed. Winry hadn’t just crossed the line, she had flown over it. She wouldn’t be surprised if Riza up and left straight away.
‘There was a time, when things were different,’ Riza sighed.
Winry looked back up and saw a blush creep across the face of the adult in front of her. Grace gurgled a small laugh as Riza stroked her cheek. She fell quiet again but Winry felt there would be more to come.
‘My life was to protect Roy Mustang but I had failed. To try and make up for it I cared for him until he was well again. Yes I was trying to make myself feel less guilt but I also wanted to see him back on his feet.’
‘How long was he in hospital?’
‘He was in hospital for a few weeks but then he had to do nothing for another month. I helped him shop for food, cook, clean, all the things that had to be done. We were pretty much a married couple,’ she laughed, ‘but there were moments when it went beyond duty.’
Winry was literally on the edge of her seat. She had believed there was heavy sexual tension between Roy and Riza and she was surely about to be proved right. She bit her lip to stop her asking right out if they had slept together and waited patiently for Riza to speak again.
‘I spent nights with him. It never went passed just lying together and it was all for comfort. He felt he had failed and I couldn’t stand to see him like that. I didn’t know what to do so I stopped being First Lieutenant and was just Riza.’
It was as if a waterfall had opened and Riza could finally speak about what she had kept secret from everyone. To admit she was scared and had failed at her appointed task was difficult for Riza, but Winry was not one to judge harshly. Any relationship Riza and Roy may have had finished when he was sent away from Central and she didn’t see him for months. When they did see each other again he acted as if none of it had ever happened. Riza had been hurt and it clearly showed on her face as she remembered. Winry took a hold of her hand and Riza felt like she was beginning once again to be more then just a soldier.
Chapter 2 'First Signs' (Past)
Riza smiled all the way back to headquarters. She was visiting the heavily pregnant Winry nearly everyday now and she delighted in doing so. The girl was coping so well with being pregnant at her age. None of them were angry with her but Riza couldn’t help wondering if they would had Ed not vanished off the earth.
She would first report to Mustang on the progress of Winry before retreating into the quiet of her room. Nothing was happening that required the military these days and she grew bored. That was why she could see Winry as much as she did. Although Roy did not have authority over her anymore Riza was known to do things he asked anyway. He had set himself the task of making sure the Elric baby was born safely. That was where Riza had come in; taking her pistol with her wherever she went in case someone tried to hurt Winry in any way. A baby brought nothing but hassle it was true but it did not stop Riza envying Winry. The military was her life and that life did not include a child. By the time she left her post it would be too late to have her own baby so to have one did not cross her mind too often.
She knocked on his door and waited for him to call her. When he didn’t she knocked again harder but still to no avail. He had to be in as he was waiting for her to bring the information he had requested. She tried the door handle and found it to be unlocked.
The room was how it had been for the past week. Papers covered nearly all the floor space, clothes lay in a mass on the bed and a tray with a teacup was left to go stale. Riza still couldn’t grasp how men could live in such mess but she knew most were prone to doing so. Finally she caught sight of him, standing by a window with a pair of binoculars in his hand. His body was rigid as if movement would kill him.
‘Sir?’
He spun round at her voice like a startled cat. His eyes were wide but once they fell of her he relaxed. He dropped the binoculars like nothing had happened and he sat down to what remained of a desk. In an instant he was self sure all over again even with the patch covering a large portion of the left of his face. For a time it had made him quiet and reserved but that had all passed once his subordinates agreed to follow him no matter what.
‘First Lieutenant, anything to report?’
It was difficult not to question his suspicious movements but she knew better then to directly ask. Even if she did there would be little chance he would tell her. Roy Mustang, the master of keeping a secret.
‘No sir. Winry is growing increasingly agitated and tired but she is healthy. Perhaps you could visit with me sir?’
He waved his hand, ‘No no, it’s not my place to go and visit. I shall wait until the baby is born before I see her again.’
Riza nodded and left it there. They had argued before that he should go and see Winry but he was having none of it. If Riza was right in what she was thinking, Roy was scared of pregnant women. It was a mystery as to why he was but he avoided them at all costs. She shut the door behind her and sighed before heading to her own room to sleep off the stress that built up in her each and every day.
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‘Riza, get the doctor now!’ Gracier called from the stairs.
With the calm she had been taught Riza phoned the doctor and waited for him outside. Winry must be in labour for Gracier to call with such urgency. Her heart pounded in her chest but she showed none of this on the outside. Her face remained blank as she kept an eye out. She could hear the commotion going on inside and was glad she wasn’t part of it. One thing Riza hated above all others was not knowing what to do. Handling a girl in labour was certainly something Riza was unsure about. She could physically do it after having First Aid training but whether she could look at Winry in such pain was entirely different. No, her job was to get the doctor and keep an eye on the premises as the new life came into the world.
Finally the doctor appeared and she directed him to the right room. However Riza still stayed away to guard the house while everyone was wrapped up in the birth. This was a critical time and an attack could easily befall Winry in her most delicate state. For a few hours Riza stood with her eyes alert to anything suspicious until finally the doctor reappeared and spoke to her. The baby was fine, the mother was asleep and a couple of soldiers were being posted in the house opposite to keep an eye on things discreetly. Since Winry was asleep Riza headed straight to see Mustang to pass on the good news.
When she knocked on his door this time he answered straight away. Her face was clearly flushed with all the excitement as Mustang seemed to sense immediately what had happened. In turn, Riza realised he had figured it out.
‘A girl sir. It’s a girl and she and the mother are doing fine.’
He smiled and walked over to his desk to pour some tea. He offered her a cup as if they were friends without the military hanging over them. Caught up in the moment she nodded and allowed herself to finally break into a smile.
‘The daughter of Edward Elric is a very important life. She will be at risk until her father returns. It is our responsibility to guard her life.’
‘Yes sir,’ Riza agreed, taking the cup from him, ‘but sir?’
He raised an eyebrow, ‘Yes First Lieutenant?’
‘I don’t think we should tell Miss Rockbell. It would only lead to frightening her more.’
He smiled again and also began to drink his tea. Riza always thought ahead for him and that was why he kept some things a secret. When he thought about it telling Winry would only lead to scaring her. And Winry Rockbell was someone he owed above all others.
‘You are right Hawkeye. We will care for her but keep our distance. You really care for the girl don’t you?’
She didn’t reply, but took another sip of tea and left the room with a bow.
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Grace squirmed within her grip but Riza held securely onto the new life. Winry sat opposite her with such a proud smile on her face. A baby is such a precious creature that all can appreciate the effort that goes into caring for them. Riza marvelled at how Winry was coping with being a mother and wondered if she would have done as well at that age.
‘So how did you decide on the name Grace?’
‘Ah well, it was what Roy said actually.’
This halted Riza from whatever she was saying next. There had been a time when Winry felt nothing but hate for Mustang after she had discovered he was the soldier ordered to kill her parents. At the time Riza had explained to Winry she didn’t care for soldiers much and that she was in the military to protect someone. That someone had been Roy so she had defended what he had done. Winry had accepted that Roy was a good man but that had taken time. Now Winry had named her baby after his influence. She had accepted him completely and it warmed Riza in a way she hadn’t imagined.
‘I know how much Mustang meant to Edward even if he never confessed it. When it came to naming his baby, I felt bad that Ed would not get the chance to help me choose. I had so many names but none seemed right. For a while I thought about naming her after Ed and Al’s mother. Then Roy thanked Ed’s child for gracing the world with her presence, and I knew what her name should be.’
She could feel her throat tighten and Riza became at a loss what to say. For Winry to forgive someone Riza looked up to meant much. Riza held Grace tighter and bit lightly on her lip. It was unlike her to feel the urge to cry but this young mother had driven her so close to it. Riza couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so at peace. The gentle warmth and smell of the baby lulled her into an almost dream like state and Winry was quite happy to sit there in silence.
‘Riza, I don’t quite know how to ask this but…have you and Roy ever been together.’
Riza looked up at her wide-eyed.
‘Its just that, well, Schezka said that, oh…’ Winry said getting flustered and embarrassed. She knew she shouldn’t have asked but she was so curious to know. She looked at her hands in shame and hated the silence that followed. Winry hadn’t just crossed the line, she had flown over it. She wouldn’t be surprised if Riza up and left straight away.
‘There was a time, when things were different,’ Riza sighed.
Winry looked back up and saw a blush creep across the face of the adult in front of her. Grace gurgled a small laugh as Riza stroked her cheek. She fell quiet again but Winry felt there would be more to come.
‘My life was to protect Roy Mustang but I had failed. To try and make up for it I cared for him until he was well again. Yes I was trying to make myself feel less guilt but I also wanted to see him back on his feet.’
‘How long was he in hospital?’
‘He was in hospital for a few weeks but then he had to do nothing for another month. I helped him shop for food, cook, clean, all the things that had to be done. We were pretty much a married couple,’ she laughed, ‘but there were moments when it went beyond duty.’
Winry was literally on the edge of her seat. She had believed there was heavy sexual tension between Roy and Riza and she was surely about to be proved right. She bit her lip to stop her asking right out if they had slept together and waited patiently for Riza to speak again.
‘I spent nights with him. It never went passed just lying together and it was all for comfort. He felt he had failed and I couldn’t stand to see him like that. I didn’t know what to do so I stopped being First Lieutenant and was just Riza.’
It was as if a waterfall had opened and Riza could finally speak about what she had kept secret from everyone. To admit she was scared and had failed at her appointed task was difficult for Riza, but Winry was not one to judge harshly. Any relationship Riza and Roy may have had finished when he was sent away from Central and she didn’t see him for months. When they did see each other again he acted as if none of it had ever happened. Riza had been hurt and it clearly showed on her face as she remembered. Winry took a hold of her hand and Riza felt like she was beginning once again to be more then just a soldier.
Come oooooon people!!!!
Its goooooood, oh so goooooood!!!!!!
atleast comment and say you didnt like it... just read it people!!!
Its goooooood, oh so goooooood!!!!!!
atleast comment and say you didnt like it... just read it people!!!
One last shot at getting people to read this fic, then I may as well give it up. I am trying to write my other fic, but writing a novel takes up my ficcing time 
Chapter 3 'Stalker' (Present)
As Grace wandered back home her mind raced. She had taken in so much information in a short space of time even she had difficulty coping with it all. What was worse was her guilt at accusing Riza of being so cold hearted. Now she knew what had happened everything fit into place. The main problem now she knew was what to do about Max. It wasn’t her right to tell him but he had wanted her to find out the truth. The truth hadn’t reached him yet and he thought his parents had rejected him when really…
‘Grace dear you’re out late!’
Grace leaped out of her skin as she nearly walked in to the spinster twins. Her concentration but have really been out of whack to not sense those two hunting her down.
‘Not good for someone your age to be out so late,’ Poppy snapped.
‘You look flushed, you haven’t been drinking I hope,’ added Daisy.
‘Or did you go to visit that young man I wonder?’
Grace finally caught up, ‘How did you…?’
‘You get yourself inside young Grace. It’s lucky we look out for you,’ Poppy interrupted, ‘I suggest you get inside before the neighbours start to talk.’
Without hesitation Grace took them up on their suggestion and sprinted to her front door without a question. The spinster twins were witches she swore it. How on earth did they know about Max? Unless they had sent him round as a trick…
She didn’t have time to think upon such things as there were more important matters to attend to. Like just what she was to do with the information provided to her. She had sworn to secrecy and she would not betray Riza so easily. Max thought the wrong thing but she did certainly not want to see him again that was for sure. There was no doubt about it; she would have to sleep on this one. The clock hit eleven and although she was prone to staying up late her mind and body were worn out. A long sleep would clear her head enough to decide what to do in the morning.
As she undressed a phone number fell out of her pocket. It was Max’s after she had copied it down. The original copy of the number was on the back of the photo that she had given up to Riza. Grace remembered the look on her face as she had studied it and it made her want to cry again. How could she have thought so badly about someone so caring?
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Riza also had many things on her mind and the guilt she beard had grown ten times worse. Max was given to a family on the other side of the country and they swore they would never mention to him he was adopted. Now somewhere close by was the son she gave away believing his parents didn’t want him. If only she could tell him the truth but things were still risky. She hoped that he was not trying to find them by asking people around the town. If he was he could be putting himself in all kinds of danger and she had no idea how well he could defend himself from attackers.
But from what Grace had told her he was very much like his father. Announcing himself as Mustang wasn’t technically correct as officially he held his adopted parents name of Wallis. Clearly he had told Grace his name was Mustang to grasp her attention. It was a clever move for it had worked, and just what Roy would do.
She tried to sleep as painful memories threatened to take over. She hadn’t decided what to tell Roy yet if she even told him anything. Although she was sure he felt some he didn’t show remorse for losing the only child he ever had. Neither of them was suitable to be parents but she was sure if their situation had been different Max would be living with the pair of them as a family. As it was Roy Mustang wasn’t in Central and hadn’t been for months now. Avoiding him would be an easy enough task. Placing the precious photo Grace had given her on the bed side table she fell into a fitful sleep.
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Her eyes finally forced themselves open to look at the clock. It was ten in the morning but she didn’t care. One of the advantages of being a writer was as long as you got work done for the deadline you could go at your own pace. She felt bad if she slept in too long so heaved herself out of bed to start the day. When she wasn’t writing a book she worked for the paper writing articles on whatever they requested. She enjoyed doing the research and taking what she could from it. At the moment her task was to look into the origin of the pocket watch given to State Alchemists. It was interesting and she was able to gain much information from her parents. Her father informed her of all the places he had access to when he produced a watch and her mother explained in great detail how well it was made. Now she had that she needed to find out why they gave a pocket watch and where it all started. Central library was calling to her to help take her mind off things. Once she was enveloped in her work nothing would be able to distract her.
After dressing and feeding herself she made the trip to Central Library. A portion of the original building had completely destroyed in a fire some years before but most of the books had now been replaced, mainly thanks to Shezka and her amazing memory. Grace loved to hide herself among the many books and immerse herself in research. The workers all knew her and complimented her on her book every time she went in.
‘It’s still out Miss Elric. I don’t think your book has ever spent anytime on a shelf.’
With a polite nod and a smile she vanished from their sight and their praise. She could not stomach it today after the events of yesterday. Finding the History section she needed Grace buried herself in her work. No distractions in a silent building may have risked memories taking her over so she found a book and set to work.
Sat at a table alone with a book open in front of her Grace was content. She had found some great information on the watches. They had started by a General giving a new State Alchemist his watch as a present. It was such a privilege to be given something so personal that it had become a symbol of great achievement. The year after this simple gift had been given it became the mark of a State Alchemist. She smiled in approval of it being such a nice tale.
‘A smile suits you.’
Grace snapped her eyes upward to what was becoming an all too familiar face. He was grinning at her like she had yesterday and she wondered how hard she cold bash him with a book before it broke.
‘What do you want?’ she growled trying to keep her voice down.
‘You went to see my mother didn’t you?’ he asked still smiling arrogantly.
‘Are you stalking me?’
He laughed and her hands clenched into balls as she pushed her anger further into her stomach. He knew he had been right so he knew she had been wrong. Stupid smug arrogant little child, he mind screamed. She remained quiet waiting to be answered.
‘I like you Grace Elric. You’re different to the other girls,’ he sighed, resting his head on his hand in a casual manner.
She unclenched a hand and rubbed her temple in frustration. He was am eighteen year old version of Roy it was true. He didn’t have to rub that fact in her face though and she groaned out loud.
‘This is the point where you blush and ask if I mean it,’ he told her his voice becoming low.
She raised her eyes to look back at him and tried not to laugh out loud. She didn’t know what he was trying to do but he was succeeding in making her detest him even more. Even if he was Riza’s son she could stomach his company.
‘If I’m so different I’m not likely to do what all the others have am I?’ she replied before gathering her books and work ready to make a run for it. He didn’t say anything as she stood up so she walked as fast as she could to the counter to register her books. Looking round he hadn’t followed so she carried on her quick getaway.
Outside the sun was shining and she smiled at her minute victory. Clearly he didn’t think following would do him any good so he stayed rooted to his spot. He wasn’t so cocky when she hadn’t swooned at the sight of him. Sadly she was aware that was likely to be what usually happened and that he had a reputation to get anyone he wanted. She didn’t know what he wanted of her now she had found out the truth, but he wouldn’t get it whatever it was.
‘Your name suits you well. Even when you have a strop you do it elegantly.’
She didn’t even turn round to face him but quickly began to walk off. This guy was unbelievable and his lines did nothing but make her nauseous. She wasn’t graceful at all and anyone who knew her well enough would tell you that. She heard his footsteps behind her so she carried on walking home. He knew where she lived so there was no point leading him somewhere else.
‘Miss Elric stop, I’m sorry!’
It wasn’t the apology or the new found politeness that made her stop but the sudden change in his tone of voice. Although she didn’t turn to look at him she did stop her escape to hear what he had to say. He walked round to face her and stood perhaps a little closer then was acceptable but she stood her ground determined not to be intimidated.
‘You are different to the other girls I’ve ever spoken to. I guess I don’t quite know how to handle you,’ he admitted.
So he had given up on the direct approach and was now going for the sympathy vote. She was not going to cave in that easily.
‘You have no need to handle me. Just tell me what you need to then go.’
‘You found out the truth last night I’m sure of it. Now I need you to tell me. Was my parent’s job so important they had to give me away?’
She looked up at him finally. He was much taller then her and it was worse with him standing so close. She craned her neck to look into his eyes to decided how genuine he was being. He voice had begun to strain and his eyes no longer gleamed with mischief. She had sworn not to speak of what Riza had told her and she bit down on her lip.
‘Grace dear!’
Both she and Max turned to see the twins headed in their way. Thanks to them interrupting the situation she made a run for it all the way home. Even if he did know where she lived she could keep the door locked and avoid him.
She made it home without any of them following. The twins were probably tearing him to shreds and for once she was thankful for their interference. Locking the door behind her she heard a thump from upstairs. Somebody was in the house.
Chapter 3 'Stalker' (Present)
As Grace wandered back home her mind raced. She had taken in so much information in a short space of time even she had difficulty coping with it all. What was worse was her guilt at accusing Riza of being so cold hearted. Now she knew what had happened everything fit into place. The main problem now she knew was what to do about Max. It wasn’t her right to tell him but he had wanted her to find out the truth. The truth hadn’t reached him yet and he thought his parents had rejected him when really…
‘Grace dear you’re out late!’
Grace leaped out of her skin as she nearly walked in to the spinster twins. Her concentration but have really been out of whack to not sense those two hunting her down.
‘Not good for someone your age to be out so late,’ Poppy snapped.
‘You look flushed, you haven’t been drinking I hope,’ added Daisy.
‘Or did you go to visit that young man I wonder?’
Grace finally caught up, ‘How did you…?’
‘You get yourself inside young Grace. It’s lucky we look out for you,’ Poppy interrupted, ‘I suggest you get inside before the neighbours start to talk.’
Without hesitation Grace took them up on their suggestion and sprinted to her front door without a question. The spinster twins were witches she swore it. How on earth did they know about Max? Unless they had sent him round as a trick…
She didn’t have time to think upon such things as there were more important matters to attend to. Like just what she was to do with the information provided to her. She had sworn to secrecy and she would not betray Riza so easily. Max thought the wrong thing but she did certainly not want to see him again that was for sure. There was no doubt about it; she would have to sleep on this one. The clock hit eleven and although she was prone to staying up late her mind and body were worn out. A long sleep would clear her head enough to decide what to do in the morning.
As she undressed a phone number fell out of her pocket. It was Max’s after she had copied it down. The original copy of the number was on the back of the photo that she had given up to Riza. Grace remembered the look on her face as she had studied it and it made her want to cry again. How could she have thought so badly about someone so caring?
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Riza also had many things on her mind and the guilt she beard had grown ten times worse. Max was given to a family on the other side of the country and they swore they would never mention to him he was adopted. Now somewhere close by was the son she gave away believing his parents didn’t want him. If only she could tell him the truth but things were still risky. She hoped that he was not trying to find them by asking people around the town. If he was he could be putting himself in all kinds of danger and she had no idea how well he could defend himself from attackers.
But from what Grace had told her he was very much like his father. Announcing himself as Mustang wasn’t technically correct as officially he held his adopted parents name of Wallis. Clearly he had told Grace his name was Mustang to grasp her attention. It was a clever move for it had worked, and just what Roy would do.
She tried to sleep as painful memories threatened to take over. She hadn’t decided what to tell Roy yet if she even told him anything. Although she was sure he felt some he didn’t show remorse for losing the only child he ever had. Neither of them was suitable to be parents but she was sure if their situation had been different Max would be living with the pair of them as a family. As it was Roy Mustang wasn’t in Central and hadn’t been for months now. Avoiding him would be an easy enough task. Placing the precious photo Grace had given her on the bed side table she fell into a fitful sleep.
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Her eyes finally forced themselves open to look at the clock. It was ten in the morning but she didn’t care. One of the advantages of being a writer was as long as you got work done for the deadline you could go at your own pace. She felt bad if she slept in too long so heaved herself out of bed to start the day. When she wasn’t writing a book she worked for the paper writing articles on whatever they requested. She enjoyed doing the research and taking what she could from it. At the moment her task was to look into the origin of the pocket watch given to State Alchemists. It was interesting and she was able to gain much information from her parents. Her father informed her of all the places he had access to when he produced a watch and her mother explained in great detail how well it was made. Now she had that she needed to find out why they gave a pocket watch and where it all started. Central library was calling to her to help take her mind off things. Once she was enveloped in her work nothing would be able to distract her.
After dressing and feeding herself she made the trip to Central Library. A portion of the original building had completely destroyed in a fire some years before but most of the books had now been replaced, mainly thanks to Shezka and her amazing memory. Grace loved to hide herself among the many books and immerse herself in research. The workers all knew her and complimented her on her book every time she went in.
‘It’s still out Miss Elric. I don’t think your book has ever spent anytime on a shelf.’
With a polite nod and a smile she vanished from their sight and their praise. She could not stomach it today after the events of yesterday. Finding the History section she needed Grace buried herself in her work. No distractions in a silent building may have risked memories taking her over so she found a book and set to work.
Sat at a table alone with a book open in front of her Grace was content. She had found some great information on the watches. They had started by a General giving a new State Alchemist his watch as a present. It was such a privilege to be given something so personal that it had become a symbol of great achievement. The year after this simple gift had been given it became the mark of a State Alchemist. She smiled in approval of it being such a nice tale.
‘A smile suits you.’
Grace snapped her eyes upward to what was becoming an all too familiar face. He was grinning at her like she had yesterday and she wondered how hard she cold bash him with a book before it broke.
‘What do you want?’ she growled trying to keep her voice down.
‘You went to see my mother didn’t you?’ he asked still smiling arrogantly.
‘Are you stalking me?’
He laughed and her hands clenched into balls as she pushed her anger further into her stomach. He knew he had been right so he knew she had been wrong. Stupid smug arrogant little child, he mind screamed. She remained quiet waiting to be answered.
‘I like you Grace Elric. You’re different to the other girls,’ he sighed, resting his head on his hand in a casual manner.
She unclenched a hand and rubbed her temple in frustration. He was am eighteen year old version of Roy it was true. He didn’t have to rub that fact in her face though and she groaned out loud.
‘This is the point where you blush and ask if I mean it,’ he told her his voice becoming low.
She raised her eyes to look back at him and tried not to laugh out loud. She didn’t know what he was trying to do but he was succeeding in making her detest him even more. Even if he was Riza’s son she could stomach his company.
‘If I’m so different I’m not likely to do what all the others have am I?’ she replied before gathering her books and work ready to make a run for it. He didn’t say anything as she stood up so she walked as fast as she could to the counter to register her books. Looking round he hadn’t followed so she carried on her quick getaway.
Outside the sun was shining and she smiled at her minute victory. Clearly he didn’t think following would do him any good so he stayed rooted to his spot. He wasn’t so cocky when she hadn’t swooned at the sight of him. Sadly she was aware that was likely to be what usually happened and that he had a reputation to get anyone he wanted. She didn’t know what he wanted of her now she had found out the truth, but he wouldn’t get it whatever it was.
‘Your name suits you well. Even when you have a strop you do it elegantly.’
She didn’t even turn round to face him but quickly began to walk off. This guy was unbelievable and his lines did nothing but make her nauseous. She wasn’t graceful at all and anyone who knew her well enough would tell you that. She heard his footsteps behind her so she carried on walking home. He knew where she lived so there was no point leading him somewhere else.
‘Miss Elric stop, I’m sorry!’
It wasn’t the apology or the new found politeness that made her stop but the sudden change in his tone of voice. Although she didn’t turn to look at him she did stop her escape to hear what he had to say. He walked round to face her and stood perhaps a little closer then was acceptable but she stood her ground determined not to be intimidated.
‘You are different to the other girls I’ve ever spoken to. I guess I don’t quite know how to handle you,’ he admitted.
So he had given up on the direct approach and was now going for the sympathy vote. She was not going to cave in that easily.
‘You have no need to handle me. Just tell me what you need to then go.’
‘You found out the truth last night I’m sure of it. Now I need you to tell me. Was my parent’s job so important they had to give me away?’
She looked up at him finally. He was much taller then her and it was worse with him standing so close. She craned her neck to look into his eyes to decided how genuine he was being. He voice had begun to strain and his eyes no longer gleamed with mischief. She had sworn not to speak of what Riza had told her and she bit down on her lip.
‘Grace dear!’
Both she and Max turned to see the twins headed in their way. Thanks to them interrupting the situation she made a run for it all the way home. Even if he did know where she lived she could keep the door locked and avoid him.
She made it home without any of them following. The twins were probably tearing him to shreds and for once she was thankful for their interference. Locking the door behind her she heard a thump from upstairs. Somebody was in the house.
*gasp* This is really, really good!
Okay, so I read it ages ago on fanfiction.net, but it needs to be shared!
Okay, so I read it ages ago on fanfiction.net, but it needs to be shared!
Oh well, no-one wants to try my fic (unless they already have haha). Still I'm gonna bug people till they read it! Raww
Chapter 4 'Left Holding the Baby' Past
Past
As Riza sat on the train with the others she felt quite content. They were going to visit Winry, who had finally been reunited with Edward; and their ever darling daughter Grace. Even though Riza felt a pang of jealousy when she thought of their happy union she was more delighted that Winry hadn’t waited in vein. They had all begun to doubt Edward was coming back except his ever faithful mechanic.
When they news arrived he had come back there was a flurry of activity. There were so many people who wanted to see him the group had to be narrowed down several times. It was only fair Gracier and Elysia see him. Mustang rarely went anywhere without Riza by his side. Armstrong had grown very fond of Winry and would be equally as happy to see her. The other two were Brosh and Ross, who had helped more then Edward would ever know. Each and every one of them had something to say to the Fullmetal Alchemist, but none more so than Roy. So far Riza was unaware of what he was so desperate to ask Edward but it gave her a nasty worry in the pit of her stomach. Mustang was a decent man but sometimes his work appeared to consume his morals on family life.
Rizembol was a beautiful place to visit. Those who spent most of their time in the city could appreciate it more then those who lived there. Armstrong had been there before and so led the team toward the awaiting family. Most of them had been to Rizembol of course but Armstrong was like an excitable child and took the role as guide.
Riza witnessed the entire event from a back post. As Edward opened the door Armstrong had wrapped his tree trunk arms around him with the speed of a cat. For the first time the person in the embrace didn’t seem to mind. When she met his gold eyes she gave a slight smile and a nod. Inside she wanted to yell at him for putting Winry and Al through so much as well as hug him too. The military had taught her to control such outbursts of emotion as anger can blur ones vision. There was much blurred vision going on but it was not because of anger.
‘I suppose that was one way to get out of responsibility fullmetal,’ Mustang smiled.
Edward gave him a lopsided smirk before replying with, ‘Never were able to keep a girl were you Colonel?’
Riza rolled her eyes as the male ritual proceeded. Unlike Armstrong, Mustang found it difficult to show how happy he was to see someone. A back and forth of insults seemed to do just nicely as a hello for the pair of them.
For the rest of the time Riza said very little as she soaked up the atmosphere and the tales Ed had to tell. She suppressed a giggle at the sight of Mustang trying to hide the fact that he was excited. The stories Ed had to tell would be unbelievable to most but this group of people knew better. They sat and listened for what seemed like hours. Riza watched the going on of the people around her and smiled each time she saw Winry swell with love and pride. In the bottom of Riza’s heart something was coming to life and she knew it was envy. Winry had been through so much and deserved all she had. Yet Riza longed to have just a portion of her life now, some freedom away from the stern world of the military.
A tiny pair of hands smacked themselves down onto her knees as Grace demanded she hold her. Riza didn’t mind and gathered the young girl into her arms. Riza began to make a fuss of Grace despite herself. It came to an abrupt halt when Riza realised there was a pair of eyes watching and studying her. Most of the time she just found his smile arrogant but when she saw it spread across his face this time she felt a jolt. There was no question that she was attracted to him but she rarely let it get to her. It had been so long since he had last been fully been peaceful the smile was quite a surprise. He wasn’t mocking her as far as she could tell; he was just genuinely smiling at her holding the baby.
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‘Hawkeye, will you take a walk with me?’
Rather taken aback but used to following orders Riza followed Roy across the countryside. The sun was setting and soon night would have set in. a nice quiet stroll seemed to fit right in with the weather and surroundings. She still felt something was suspicious but she remained silent. If it was something that concerned her he would tell her. If he had no intention of saying anything that was how it would remain. Extracting a secret from Roy was like taking blood from a stone.
Once they were quite a distance away from the house he turned to her and very formally informed her, ‘I’m going to ask Edward to come back to the military.’
She had been worried for a reason. For a moment or two she stood taking stock of what Mustang was proposing. Fear for Winry and Grace bubbled inside of her as if she were looking out for her own children.
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea sir!’ she snapped a little too harshly.
‘Why is that?’ he demanded.
‘You would be taking a father away from his child and I do not believe that is right.’
For some time he was silent. She inwardly prayed that he was thinking it over and that it would be a mistake to upset Winry or Grace. She was waiting for him to suggest that they all move to Central but she could easily attack that argument too. She had prepared reasons just in case he was going to do what she feared he would. It was lucky she had.
‘I am still going to ask him.’
‘Please reconsider sir!’
‘I will not!’
Her voice had begun to show the panic quickly welling up inside of her. His was growing in frustration at being questioned by an officer of the military.
‘You know Winry could not move herself again she had had enough upheaval. Can’t you leave them to be a family please?’
She was out of character in a way she hadn’t been in a long while but she could not let it rest. Knowing this he turned tail and fled which meant she had failed. She hadn’t managed to stop him and she was furious at herself. She was angry at Roy to for being so completely insensitive. She hoped with all her might that Edward would turn down the offer and avoid the life she had got herself into.
Heading back to the house in secret shame she saw Winry sat on the front porch playing with her daughter. Riza placed herself next to Winry and looked forlorn. She had begged Mustang not to mention going back to the military to Ed but he was adamant he should. Riza hated sitting next to Winry and not telling her. The girl was finally happy, the child finally had her father back and he was being tempted to leave them.
‘Grace is more and more like her father each day,’ Riza commented.
‘Yes, it is worrying isn’t it?’ Winry laughed.
‘Dada,’ Grace chirped as Ed appeared on the horizon with Roy next to him. She wriggled out of her mothers grip and tottered as fast as her little legs could carry her toward her father. Riza ached even more when she saw this along with the smile spread across Mustangs face.
‘My my, she has taken to Ed well,’ Riza sighed.
‘She knows who he is and now he’s here. She is too young to hate him for not being there.’
‘What if….what if he left again?’
Winry didn’t have time to reply before Grace came running back into her arms. They were all ushered into the house as all approached just in time for tea. Riza would have to wait to find out just why Roy beamed like he had just won a trophy.
They ate all together as if nothing had happened. Nothing of course had happened to most of them and Winry clearly still didn’t know what had been going on. They all laughed and joked and Riza had to join in to not seem out of place. She wasn’t really the bright and lively type anyway but she was a master if being cool on the outside. She wanted to drag Mustang from his seat and beat an answer out of him. This not being conceivable in reality she sipped her coffee and kept a close eye on him.
Pinako Rockbell had managed to find sleeping arrangements for all of them somehow. As they eventually headed for bed Riza managed to corner her target as he left the bathroom. Building up the courage to argue with him again she stood in front of the former colonel.
‘Did he answer you?’ she questioned.
‘Yes he answered me,’ Roy replied, smirking as he did. That smirk was too recognisable as the one that meant he had got what he wanted.
‘Oh sir how could you. I can’t look at those two and know that they’ll be deprived…’
‘You still call me sir do you?’
Riza was stopped short by the sultry sound of his voice. She was growing impatient with him.
‘I don’t want to see Grace without her father either. I asked fullmetal in the mind that he would refuse.’
‘Did he?’
Roy smiled down on her, warmed by her concern. She was a stern but caring person and he felt silently bad for leaving her side two years ago. He stroked the side of her face but she didn’t flinch at all.
‘What do you think…Riza?’
What did she think? That was a good question and one she could not express in words. He managed to surprise her even after all these years of spending time so closely together. The guilt for Winry was now replaced by guilt for ever doubting Mustang. She could see in his eyes that he took no offence to what she had accused him of but she blushed.
The blush was also for being referred to by her first name which was something he rarely did and vice-versa. In the time they had spent together away from the military they had only called each other by first name every so often. It was just something they were both familiar with and for him to call her Riza meant he had to think about calling her Riza.
‘I am glad to see Edward had become such an adult. He was before he left but he did not face such responsibilities back then,’ she finally replied.
‘This is true. He proved me right, but then I have always been an excellent judge of his character.’
‘Never the modest type were you sir?’
It slipped out before she even realised she had thought it. It was too late to stop it now and she couldn’t think of any way to take it back. To her surprise he remained with a smile and nodded slightly.
‘How long have you been holding that one in Hawkeye? You are right though, as you usually are,’ his voice was sultry again and her throat felt dry as she waited for the backlash. Instead he moved closer to her till his nose nearly touched hers.
‘Admit it, you wouldn’t want me any other way.’
He didn’t wait for an answer and slipped away into his room leaving Riza with a rather dry throat, a red face and a frown that would have stopped a train in its tracks.
Chapter 4 'Left Holding the Baby' Past
Past
As Riza sat on the train with the others she felt quite content. They were going to visit Winry, who had finally been reunited with Edward; and their ever darling daughter Grace. Even though Riza felt a pang of jealousy when she thought of their happy union she was more delighted that Winry hadn’t waited in vein. They had all begun to doubt Edward was coming back except his ever faithful mechanic.
When they news arrived he had come back there was a flurry of activity. There were so many people who wanted to see him the group had to be narrowed down several times. It was only fair Gracier and Elysia see him. Mustang rarely went anywhere without Riza by his side. Armstrong had grown very fond of Winry and would be equally as happy to see her. The other two were Brosh and Ross, who had helped more then Edward would ever know. Each and every one of them had something to say to the Fullmetal Alchemist, but none more so than Roy. So far Riza was unaware of what he was so desperate to ask Edward but it gave her a nasty worry in the pit of her stomach. Mustang was a decent man but sometimes his work appeared to consume his morals on family life.
Rizembol was a beautiful place to visit. Those who spent most of their time in the city could appreciate it more then those who lived there. Armstrong had been there before and so led the team toward the awaiting family. Most of them had been to Rizembol of course but Armstrong was like an excitable child and took the role as guide.
Riza witnessed the entire event from a back post. As Edward opened the door Armstrong had wrapped his tree trunk arms around him with the speed of a cat. For the first time the person in the embrace didn’t seem to mind. When she met his gold eyes she gave a slight smile and a nod. Inside she wanted to yell at him for putting Winry and Al through so much as well as hug him too. The military had taught her to control such outbursts of emotion as anger can blur ones vision. There was much blurred vision going on but it was not because of anger.
‘I suppose that was one way to get out of responsibility fullmetal,’ Mustang smiled.
Edward gave him a lopsided smirk before replying with, ‘Never were able to keep a girl were you Colonel?’
Riza rolled her eyes as the male ritual proceeded. Unlike Armstrong, Mustang found it difficult to show how happy he was to see someone. A back and forth of insults seemed to do just nicely as a hello for the pair of them.
For the rest of the time Riza said very little as she soaked up the atmosphere and the tales Ed had to tell. She suppressed a giggle at the sight of Mustang trying to hide the fact that he was excited. The stories Ed had to tell would be unbelievable to most but this group of people knew better. They sat and listened for what seemed like hours. Riza watched the going on of the people around her and smiled each time she saw Winry swell with love and pride. In the bottom of Riza’s heart something was coming to life and she knew it was envy. Winry had been through so much and deserved all she had. Yet Riza longed to have just a portion of her life now, some freedom away from the stern world of the military.
A tiny pair of hands smacked themselves down onto her knees as Grace demanded she hold her. Riza didn’t mind and gathered the young girl into her arms. Riza began to make a fuss of Grace despite herself. It came to an abrupt halt when Riza realised there was a pair of eyes watching and studying her. Most of the time she just found his smile arrogant but when she saw it spread across his face this time she felt a jolt. There was no question that she was attracted to him but she rarely let it get to her. It had been so long since he had last been fully been peaceful the smile was quite a surprise. He wasn’t mocking her as far as she could tell; he was just genuinely smiling at her holding the baby.
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‘Hawkeye, will you take a walk with me?’
Rather taken aback but used to following orders Riza followed Roy across the countryside. The sun was setting and soon night would have set in. a nice quiet stroll seemed to fit right in with the weather and surroundings. She still felt something was suspicious but she remained silent. If it was something that concerned her he would tell her. If he had no intention of saying anything that was how it would remain. Extracting a secret from Roy was like taking blood from a stone.
Once they were quite a distance away from the house he turned to her and very formally informed her, ‘I’m going to ask Edward to come back to the military.’
She had been worried for a reason. For a moment or two she stood taking stock of what Mustang was proposing. Fear for Winry and Grace bubbled inside of her as if she were looking out for her own children.
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea sir!’ she snapped a little too harshly.
‘Why is that?’ he demanded.
‘You would be taking a father away from his child and I do not believe that is right.’
For some time he was silent. She inwardly prayed that he was thinking it over and that it would be a mistake to upset Winry or Grace. She was waiting for him to suggest that they all move to Central but she could easily attack that argument too. She had prepared reasons just in case he was going to do what she feared he would. It was lucky she had.
‘I am still going to ask him.’
‘Please reconsider sir!’
‘I will not!’
Her voice had begun to show the panic quickly welling up inside of her. His was growing in frustration at being questioned by an officer of the military.
‘You know Winry could not move herself again she had had enough upheaval. Can’t you leave them to be a family please?’
She was out of character in a way she hadn’t been in a long while but she could not let it rest. Knowing this he turned tail and fled which meant she had failed. She hadn’t managed to stop him and she was furious at herself. She was angry at Roy to for being so completely insensitive. She hoped with all her might that Edward would turn down the offer and avoid the life she had got herself into.
Heading back to the house in secret shame she saw Winry sat on the front porch playing with her daughter. Riza placed herself next to Winry and looked forlorn. She had begged Mustang not to mention going back to the military to Ed but he was adamant he should. Riza hated sitting next to Winry and not telling her. The girl was finally happy, the child finally had her father back and he was being tempted to leave them.
‘Grace is more and more like her father each day,’ Riza commented.
‘Yes, it is worrying isn’t it?’ Winry laughed.
‘Dada,’ Grace chirped as Ed appeared on the horizon with Roy next to him. She wriggled out of her mothers grip and tottered as fast as her little legs could carry her toward her father. Riza ached even more when she saw this along with the smile spread across Mustangs face.
‘My my, she has taken to Ed well,’ Riza sighed.
‘She knows who he is and now he’s here. She is too young to hate him for not being there.’
‘What if….what if he left again?’
Winry didn’t have time to reply before Grace came running back into her arms. They were all ushered into the house as all approached just in time for tea. Riza would have to wait to find out just why Roy beamed like he had just won a trophy.
They ate all together as if nothing had happened. Nothing of course had happened to most of them and Winry clearly still didn’t know what had been going on. They all laughed and joked and Riza had to join in to not seem out of place. She wasn’t really the bright and lively type anyway but she was a master if being cool on the outside. She wanted to drag Mustang from his seat and beat an answer out of him. This not being conceivable in reality she sipped her coffee and kept a close eye on him.
Pinako Rockbell had managed to find sleeping arrangements for all of them somehow. As they eventually headed for bed Riza managed to corner her target as he left the bathroom. Building up the courage to argue with him again she stood in front of the former colonel.
‘Did he answer you?’ she questioned.
‘Yes he answered me,’ Roy replied, smirking as he did. That smirk was too recognisable as the one that meant he had got what he wanted.
‘Oh sir how could you. I can’t look at those two and know that they’ll be deprived…’
‘You still call me sir do you?’
Riza was stopped short by the sultry sound of his voice. She was growing impatient with him.
‘I don’t want to see Grace without her father either. I asked fullmetal in the mind that he would refuse.’
‘Did he?’
Roy smiled down on her, warmed by her concern. She was a stern but caring person and he felt silently bad for leaving her side two years ago. He stroked the side of her face but she didn’t flinch at all.
‘What do you think…Riza?’
What did she think? That was a good question and one she could not express in words. He managed to surprise her even after all these years of spending time so closely together. The guilt for Winry was now replaced by guilt for ever doubting Mustang. She could see in his eyes that he took no offence to what she had accused him of but she blushed.
The blush was also for being referred to by her first name which was something he rarely did and vice-versa. In the time they had spent together away from the military they had only called each other by first name every so often. It was just something they were both familiar with and for him to call her Riza meant he had to think about calling her Riza.
‘I am glad to see Edward had become such an adult. He was before he left but he did not face such responsibilities back then,’ she finally replied.
‘This is true. He proved me right, but then I have always been an excellent judge of his character.’
‘Never the modest type were you sir?’
It slipped out before she even realised she had thought it. It was too late to stop it now and she couldn’t think of any way to take it back. To her surprise he remained with a smile and nodded slightly.
‘How long have you been holding that one in Hawkeye? You are right though, as you usually are,’ his voice was sultry again and her throat felt dry as she waited for the backlash. Instead he moved closer to her till his nose nearly touched hers.
‘Admit it, you wouldn’t want me any other way.’
He didn’t wait for an answer and slipped away into his room leaving Riza with a rather dry throat, a red face and a frown that would have stopped a train in its tracks.
wow, this is AWESOME! XD i love it, cant wait for the next chapter : P
Just in case anyone still cares. A present chapter so concludes chapter 3's cliffhanger.
Chapter 5 'What I want' present
It was turning out to be a stressful day. She had just managed to escape Max only to find someone was in her house. Perhaps seeing Max had been a blessing in disguise as she was wound up enough to follow the noise from upstairs. She wasn’t stupid enough to call out as the element of surprise was vital. Whoever was in the house they were probably safer then Max and the psycho sisters.
She needed a weapon before braving the darkness so she grabbed the vase closest to her. It was quite heavy and not that high in value; one hit and she could knock the intruder unconscious. Then she would call the police if the phone line hadn’t been cut.
Avoiding the creaks in the stairs she slowly ascended. She heard a cough and calculated that the stranger had to be male and an adult at that. A female would have been easier to handle but she was feeling in a rebellious mood. If her mother knew what she was doing she would have killed her. The vase began to shake in her hand and she held on tighter so she didn’t drop it and give herself away. If she survived this day she was surely put it into a book somewhere along the line.
Another thump informed her the stranger was in one of the spare rooms. Shaking uncontrollably now she watched her footing and made her way to the door. She would have to storm in and act while the invader was still in shock. Just one good blow and it would be over and she could call for help. Raising the vase above her head she put the other hand on the door handle and took a deep breath.
‘Grace?’
Her nerves unable to handle it anymore she dropped the vase and fainted into a vulnerable heap on the floor.
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‘She did it on purpose. Her aim was far too good for it to be an accident.’
‘She would have to be a damn good aim considering her back was to you.’
They weren’t voices in her head. Grace began to come round sense by sense and first was her hearing. Her body refused to correspond with her mind and she was unable to say anything or move an inch.
‘True, she couldn’t ever catch very well let alone throw. Too much time looking at nothing but words,’ the one voice said.
‘Don’t start this up again,’ the other replied.
‘I’m right and I always have been. Being a book worm didn’t help her very much today.’
‘Apart from the fact she managed to break your toe?’
‘Which I know she did on purpose…’
‘If it was on purpose Jimmy I would have dropped it on your head!’ Grace finally managed to call out and she opened her eyes. Her father sat at the end of her bed while her brother sat on a chair cradling a bandaged foot. The old bookworm insult had been going since he knew what one was and she did not regret breaking his toe.
‘Oh Grace you do know how to worry me,’ Edward sighed and held her hand. He smiled as he said it which made her smile as well. James grunted his hello at her and she stuck her tongue out in response.
‘I thought you two had stopped all if this?’
‘We did dad, then she went and broke my toe for no apparent reason.’
‘I didn’t mean to!’ she snapped again, ‘If you hadn’t snuck up on me I would have dropped the vase…’
‘Which you were going to hit dad with.’
Edward laughed at his children knowing that this bickering was the best way they knew to show affection. It was likely to be something they had inherited from him and Winry so he tried not to scold it. That and they were too old to be scolded now anyway.
‘He has a point Grace,’ he interrupted, ‘why were you planning to knock me out?’
‘I thought you were a burglar or something. I didn’t know you would be here.’
‘We wrote to you telling you we would be,’ Jimmy sighed.
‘I don’t have time to open all my mail as I get so many letters from fans,’ she defended but he was right in what he was suggesting. It was her mistake and it could have ended up far worse then it had done.
‘Why didn’t you just run back outside? If we had been someone dangerous you could have got seriously hurt.’
Grace bit her lip and tried to figure out how to answer her father. He raised an expectant eyebrow and she quickly made up a lie which sadly she had a great skill at doing.
‘I…wanted to prove that I’m not a coward. That just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I can’t stick up for myself.
‘You’re such an idiot Grace,’ Jimmy said matter of factly before hobbling out of the room. Edward just gave her that ‘where did I go wrong’ look and indicated for her to get up. They could think bad of her for the moment as this lie was better then the truth. Much as she wanted to see Max die of fright at being threatened by Edward Elric it would also mean she blabbed a secret she promised to keep to herself.
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They didn’t bring the subject up again and the day carried on as it always did when they paid her a visit. She heard all about their latest adventure and they heard all the gossip she could muster. Gone were they days of the overwhelming jealousy of her brother. She no longer hated herself for not doing alchemy nor was she fazed that her brother got to spend all his time with their father. Apart from the recent struggles she led a happy life.
Her inner turmoil calmed but did not entirely fade away. She had made her promise to Riza but she knew her father must have known something. If Riza was right in what she told her, Edward had kept his own secret from everyone till this very day. The only way she could extract that information from him was to tell him what she knew. Was his secret really that vital to her or was she pushing boundaries.
‘How long do you plan to stay for?’ she asked gazing out into the darkness.
‘Want to get rid of me already Grace?’
‘Hush Jimmy I was asking father.’
‘Just a few days if that is okay Grace. We had hoped your mother could have joined us this time around but she is caught up with the shop. Next time hopefully she can come along.’
‘Its about time I went home I think,’ Grace suddenly decided. It was the perfect place to hide from Max for the time being. Once her brain had calculated all it needed to and she knew how to handle Max she would come home.‘Where are you going?’
‘Paying a visit to the old Colonel. Mustang is always so happy to see me.’
She choked on her drink before faking a cough. Now she was eternally grateful her curiosity hadn’t got the better of her. Knowing Jimmy the first thing he would have asked Mustang was why he had never told them he had a son. Then again she wouldn’t be so tactless as to say anything in front of her loudmouth younger brother.
There was a knock at the door and a feeling of dread crept into her stomach. Surely after all she had suffered today the fates would not do this to her. As if in slow motion she watched her father get up from his seat and head toward the front door. Her feet were as heavy weights and all she could do was watch a nightmare in progress.
She heard muffled voices but she could not clearly pick up who the visitor was. After a few exchanged words there was silence followed by two pairs of approaching footsteps. She felt queasy and had to steady herself so she didn’t keel over.
Perhaps she had done something to anger the fates because they certainly did not take a fancy to her at the present time. Just as her worst fears had told her in strode Max in all his smug glory. That moment of pity for him must also have been a moment of madness for now she hated him more then she thought possible. Had he seen her father and brother turn up to the house? Had he planned this visit with an evil intent? Surely he would not be mad enough to tell them who he was….surely?
‘Grace, this man says he’s a friend of yours,’ her father announced. She went to reply but Max strode over to her and planted a kiss on her cheek.
‘I suppose we’re more then just friends but I feared saying that to her father would end up with a slammed door in my face,’ Max laughed, arm casually draped over her shoulders.
Grace had never really thought of seriously killing anyone but right at that moment she was measuring up the size of the knives in her kitchen. Her throat hurt from being so dry; her jaw ached as she clenched hard as she could. He was a clever little bastard but she could not bat him down. She could hardly turn round and tell them who he really was unless of course he was planning to still do it himself.
‘No way,’ James laughed, ‘my bitter sister finally has a boyfriend.’
‘Bitter? Not my darling Grace surely. I take it you are James Elric?’ Max asked holding out his hand.
‘That’s me, the better of the Elric children.’
Even after that little quip Grace still hated Max more.
‘I don’t even need to ask if you are who I think you are. It’s a pleasure to meet you sir,’ he said turning to Edward. He wasn’t lying either as he really was happy to meet the famous Fullmetal Alchemist. He could feel Grace tremble with anger under his arm but was glad to find that she kept her mouth shut. Just as he had hoped she would do. He really did know her better then she thought he did.
‘The pleasure is all mine Mr?’
‘Wallis, Max Wallis, a devout fan of your daughters work. I take it she hasn’t told you about me?’
‘No, she hasn’t.’
She didn’t like the accusing tone in her fathers voice but she still could not find her voice. She had almost cut through her tongue she was biting so hard down on it. What possible story could she make up at this point? If she turned round and said he was a stalker he would no doubt reveal his true identity. If she remained quiet she would have to play along with whatever scheme Max had concocted, and that was not really an option either.
‘I was going to tell you tonight daddy, he just turned up before I could do it,’ she managed to choke out hoping they could understand her. If she was lucky her glowing face would tell them she was embarrassed and not downright mad like she actually was.
He talked like a pro and she was almost jealous. On the spot Max managed to make up a tale of how they had met and how he had finally broken down her icy shell. All the time he had his arm around her like a normal couple would. His touch made her feel physically sick but the lie was deepening right in front of her. She needed to know what was going on now!
‘Can I talk to you in the kitchen a moment Max?’
‘Sneaking in a quick kiss hey Grace?’
With a positively sickening smile she turned to Jimmy and quietly asked him to be quiet.
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‘I swear Max I will find a way to murder you so no-one will find out.’
‘Oh come of it Grace. You love being able to prove to your brother you can get a boyfriend. A good looking one at that.’
‘Just tell what you think you are playing at before I go out there and tell them the truth.’
‘I know you won’t do that, too loyal a friend to my mother. I am going to be a part of your life Grace so I can take exactly what I want from you one way or another.’
Chapter 5 'What I want' present
It was turning out to be a stressful day. She had just managed to escape Max only to find someone was in her house. Perhaps seeing Max had been a blessing in disguise as she was wound up enough to follow the noise from upstairs. She wasn’t stupid enough to call out as the element of surprise was vital. Whoever was in the house they were probably safer then Max and the psycho sisters.
She needed a weapon before braving the darkness so she grabbed the vase closest to her. It was quite heavy and not that high in value; one hit and she could knock the intruder unconscious. Then she would call the police if the phone line hadn’t been cut.
Avoiding the creaks in the stairs she slowly ascended. She heard a cough and calculated that the stranger had to be male and an adult at that. A female would have been easier to handle but she was feeling in a rebellious mood. If her mother knew what she was doing she would have killed her. The vase began to shake in her hand and she held on tighter so she didn’t drop it and give herself away. If she survived this day she was surely put it into a book somewhere along the line.
Another thump informed her the stranger was in one of the spare rooms. Shaking uncontrollably now she watched her footing and made her way to the door. She would have to storm in and act while the invader was still in shock. Just one good blow and it would be over and she could call for help. Raising the vase above her head she put the other hand on the door handle and took a deep breath.
‘Grace?’
Her nerves unable to handle it anymore she dropped the vase and fainted into a vulnerable heap on the floor.
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‘She did it on purpose. Her aim was far too good for it to be an accident.’
‘She would have to be a damn good aim considering her back was to you.’
They weren’t voices in her head. Grace began to come round sense by sense and first was her hearing. Her body refused to correspond with her mind and she was unable to say anything or move an inch.
‘True, she couldn’t ever catch very well let alone throw. Too much time looking at nothing but words,’ the one voice said.
‘Don’t start this up again,’ the other replied.
‘I’m right and I always have been. Being a book worm didn’t help her very much today.’
‘Apart from the fact she managed to break your toe?’
‘Which I know she did on purpose…’
‘If it was on purpose Jimmy I would have dropped it on your head!’ Grace finally managed to call out and she opened her eyes. Her father sat at the end of her bed while her brother sat on a chair cradling a bandaged foot. The old bookworm insult had been going since he knew what one was and she did not regret breaking his toe.
‘Oh Grace you do know how to worry me,’ Edward sighed and held her hand. He smiled as he said it which made her smile as well. James grunted his hello at her and she stuck her tongue out in response.
‘I thought you two had stopped all if this?’
‘We did dad, then she went and broke my toe for no apparent reason.’
‘I didn’t mean to!’ she snapped again, ‘If you hadn’t snuck up on me I would have dropped the vase…’
‘Which you were going to hit dad with.’
Edward laughed at his children knowing that this bickering was the best way they knew to show affection. It was likely to be something they had inherited from him and Winry so he tried not to scold it. That and they were too old to be scolded now anyway.
‘He has a point Grace,’ he interrupted, ‘why were you planning to knock me out?’
‘I thought you were a burglar or something. I didn’t know you would be here.’
‘We wrote to you telling you we would be,’ Jimmy sighed.
‘I don’t have time to open all my mail as I get so many letters from fans,’ she defended but he was right in what he was suggesting. It was her mistake and it could have ended up far worse then it had done.
‘Why didn’t you just run back outside? If we had been someone dangerous you could have got seriously hurt.’
Grace bit her lip and tried to figure out how to answer her father. He raised an expectant eyebrow and she quickly made up a lie which sadly she had a great skill at doing.
‘I…wanted to prove that I’m not a coward. That just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I can’t stick up for myself.
‘You’re such an idiot Grace,’ Jimmy said matter of factly before hobbling out of the room. Edward just gave her that ‘where did I go wrong’ look and indicated for her to get up. They could think bad of her for the moment as this lie was better then the truth. Much as she wanted to see Max die of fright at being threatened by Edward Elric it would also mean she blabbed a secret she promised to keep to herself.
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They didn’t bring the subject up again and the day carried on as it always did when they paid her a visit. She heard all about their latest adventure and they heard all the gossip she could muster. Gone were they days of the overwhelming jealousy of her brother. She no longer hated herself for not doing alchemy nor was she fazed that her brother got to spend all his time with their father. Apart from the recent struggles she led a happy life.
Her inner turmoil calmed but did not entirely fade away. She had made her promise to Riza but she knew her father must have known something. If Riza was right in what she told her, Edward had kept his own secret from everyone till this very day. The only way she could extract that information from him was to tell him what she knew. Was his secret really that vital to her or was she pushing boundaries.
‘How long do you plan to stay for?’ she asked gazing out into the darkness.
‘Want to get rid of me already Grace?’
‘Hush Jimmy I was asking father.’
‘Just a few days if that is okay Grace. We had hoped your mother could have joined us this time around but she is caught up with the shop. Next time hopefully she can come along.’
‘Its about time I went home I think,’ Grace suddenly decided. It was the perfect place to hide from Max for the time being. Once her brain had calculated all it needed to and she knew how to handle Max she would come home.‘Where are you going?’
‘Paying a visit to the old Colonel. Mustang is always so happy to see me.’
She choked on her drink before faking a cough. Now she was eternally grateful her curiosity hadn’t got the better of her. Knowing Jimmy the first thing he would have asked Mustang was why he had never told them he had a son. Then again she wouldn’t be so tactless as to say anything in front of her loudmouth younger brother.
There was a knock at the door and a feeling of dread crept into her stomach. Surely after all she had suffered today the fates would not do this to her. As if in slow motion she watched her father get up from his seat and head toward the front door. Her feet were as heavy weights and all she could do was watch a nightmare in progress.
She heard muffled voices but she could not clearly pick up who the visitor was. After a few exchanged words there was silence followed by two pairs of approaching footsteps. She felt queasy and had to steady herself so she didn’t keel over.
Perhaps she had done something to anger the fates because they certainly did not take a fancy to her at the present time. Just as her worst fears had told her in strode Max in all his smug glory. That moment of pity for him must also have been a moment of madness for now she hated him more then she thought possible. Had he seen her father and brother turn up to the house? Had he planned this visit with an evil intent? Surely he would not be mad enough to tell them who he was….surely?
‘Grace, this man says he’s a friend of yours,’ her father announced. She went to reply but Max strode over to her and planted a kiss on her cheek.
‘I suppose we’re more then just friends but I feared saying that to her father would end up with a slammed door in my face,’ Max laughed, arm casually draped over her shoulders.
Grace had never really thought of seriously killing anyone but right at that moment she was measuring up the size of the knives in her kitchen. Her throat hurt from being so dry; her jaw ached as she clenched hard as she could. He was a clever little bastard but she could not bat him down. She could hardly turn round and tell them who he really was unless of course he was planning to still do it himself.
‘No way,’ James laughed, ‘my bitter sister finally has a boyfriend.’
‘Bitter? Not my darling Grace surely. I take it you are James Elric?’ Max asked holding out his hand.
‘That’s me, the better of the Elric children.’
Even after that little quip Grace still hated Max more.
‘I don’t even need to ask if you are who I think you are. It’s a pleasure to meet you sir,’ he said turning to Edward. He wasn’t lying either as he really was happy to meet the famous Fullmetal Alchemist. He could feel Grace tremble with anger under his arm but was glad to find that she kept her mouth shut. Just as he had hoped she would do. He really did know her better then she thought he did.
‘The pleasure is all mine Mr?’
‘Wallis, Max Wallis, a devout fan of your daughters work. I take it she hasn’t told you about me?’
‘No, she hasn’t.’
She didn’t like the accusing tone in her fathers voice but she still could not find her voice. She had almost cut through her tongue she was biting so hard down on it. What possible story could she make up at this point? If she turned round and said he was a stalker he would no doubt reveal his true identity. If she remained quiet she would have to play along with whatever scheme Max had concocted, and that was not really an option either.
‘I was going to tell you tonight daddy, he just turned up before I could do it,’ she managed to choke out hoping they could understand her. If she was lucky her glowing face would tell them she was embarrassed and not downright mad like she actually was.
He talked like a pro and she was almost jealous. On the spot Max managed to make up a tale of how they had met and how he had finally broken down her icy shell. All the time he had his arm around her like a normal couple would. His touch made her feel physically sick but the lie was deepening right in front of her. She needed to know what was going on now!
‘Can I talk to you in the kitchen a moment Max?’
‘Sneaking in a quick kiss hey Grace?’
With a positively sickening smile she turned to Jimmy and quietly asked him to be quiet.
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‘I swear Max I will find a way to murder you so no-one will find out.’
‘Oh come of it Grace. You love being able to prove to your brother you can get a boyfriend. A good looking one at that.’
‘Just tell what you think you are playing at before I go out there and tell them the truth.’
‘I know you won’t do that, too loyal a friend to my mother. I am going to be a part of your life Grace so I can take exactly what I want from you one way or another.’
OMG !!! this story is awesome !!!! please continous !!!
Hey! I just read chapter 1! It looks really good! I promise I'll read the rest of what you have posted when I have a bit more time! 
This may get confusing. I'm going to post chapters 6 and 7 as 6 is quite a short one. 6 is based on concentrating on Riza's feelings, and its back in tha past.
Chapter 6 'It Would Happen' past
Riza had been standing in the doorway for minutes while Mustang pointed a finger at her. She had entered his room to find him looking through his telescope out of the window. She had gone to speak but he had silenced her. His finger hadn’t moved and neither had she. Such was his erratic behaviour over the past few months. He had gradually built up a belief that someone was out to kill him and that they were always close to him. Riza herself hadn’t seen any evidence to support his theory so let him get on with it. Men could be so confusing at times.
‘Come here Hawkeye!’
Out of the silence he barked a command at her but did not avert his gaze from whatever he was studying. Placing her papers on the desk she slowly strolled over to his side and stood ridged. Without warning he grabbed her hips and pulled her in front of him. Although she had her back to him she sensed the frustrated and angry face he was pulling so she dared to look through the telescope.
It was focused on some empty bushes. She looked for a while but she could simply not see a thing. True it was dark but her training meant she could overcome such problems.
‘Sir I…’
She felt his hot breath by her ear before she could carry on what she was going to say. For a moment or two he breathed heavily and she could feel his heartbeat beat at top speed against her back. She had not been so physically close to him for a long while and she began to feel light headed.
‘Can you see him?’ he finally asked.
‘No sir, I see nothing.’
With some force he threw her aside and but his eye to the telescope once again. He let out a frustrated growl and snapped the curtains shut. It was the first time he appeared violent because of his paranoia and she decided it was time to say something.
‘Sir, I do not believe someone is following you…’
‘He’s good, very good. He’s toying with me Hawkeye, letting me but no-one else catch a glimpse of him so you all think I’m making it up.’
‘No-body thinks you are making this up sir. I think you are going through a very stressful time.’
‘I have been through worse then this and not seen things haven’t I?’ he asked pacing back and forth, ‘You believe me surely Hawkeye?’
The desperation in his eyes unnerved her terribly and she caved in to nodding. His shoulders relaxed slightly at this and his breathing became regular once again. She stood politely for another moment or two before taking up her papers and requesting she leave to go to bed.
‘Don’t leave!’
‘Sir?’
‘I said don’t leave. I wish for you to stay with me tonight.’
She began to blush furiously and words scattered about in her brain trying to piece together the right thing to say but she accomplished nothing. Gawping like a fish she managed to make not a syllable. What he really so blunt in all his propositions?
‘He knows I sleep alone. Perhaps if you stay you will able to catch a glimpse of him as he thinks no-one will be here.’
You fool Riza, cast that blush from your face and agree to follow orders.
‘Very well sir but you must sleep in the chair,’ she said perfectly casually.
He laughed and genuinely smiled as she went to change into her bedclothes. He hadn’t slept for a good long while anyhow. Perhaps it was inevitable he would end up in bed that night.
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She felt the heat of the morning sun creeping through the crack in the curtains and she slowly opened her eyes. It was going to be a wonderful day if that sun was anything to go by and she smiled. The figure beside her buried his head further into her back to rather shut out the light.
Her ideas of a peaceful day came to an abrupt halt once she remembered where she was. Her nightdress was flung over the back of a chair and she realised she wore nothing but her birthday suit. Everything had happened to quick last night her brain clearly hadn’t registered exactly what had happened.
Mustang did snuggle himself him in his chair originally while she had crept into bed and desperately tried to ignore how against regulations it all was. Still he had given her a command and she had to follow it to the last.
After an hour had gone by she had believed he was sleeping and she was finally able to rest. That was when he had literally pounced on her and muffled any protest by kissing her.
Once they had started they didn’t stop. Without a word they had proceeded to undress each other and make love until they could barely move. He had instantly fallen asleep and so had she.
Now she had woken up the shock of what she had done set in. With the silence of an assassin she got herself dressed and fled from the room before Roy could wake up and dismiss her forever. He had only done what he had done out of this insanity that led him to believe somebody was following him. She had run all the way into the street and hoped no-one could see what she had done from the expression on her face. She had shamed all she had ever worked for and she felt sick with embarrassment. Some creepy little man had laughed at her as she bolted toward Gracier’s house to seek comfort and she had almost pulled out her gun and shot him.
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No amount of tea could sooth her soul but the warmth Gracier showed her had at least stopped her being so white knuckled. Considering what she had done she once again ignored her military training and told Gracier what had happened.
‘I will be accused of taking advantage of him while he was in an unfit state. I shouldn’t have even been in his room’
‘Oh Riza you have before and felt no guilt. You were making him feel secure and isn’t that your job?’
‘Nothing happened before. I may as well quit here and now.’
‘If I might say so Riza, your heart hasn’t been as in your job as it once was. Ever since Winry had Grace in fact I can see you’ve been yearning to start living a different life.’
Riza sighed, ‘The military is everything to me. I couldn’t start something new just like that.’
‘Why not? Major Armstrong did and he hasn’t been happier.’
The more Riza thought of it the more she knew Gracier to be right. That pang in her heart when she looked at Winry and Grace was trying to tell her what she valued in life was changing. She wanted to escape, find love and settle down. Perhaps sleeping with Roy was her way of trying to get fired so she could live that life. Why had she missed the signs when they had been right in front of her?
From that day on she would leave the military, the regime and Roy Mustang all behind to start doing what she really wanted to do. She would have to give a months notice but the last four weeks would start from that moment.
Chapter 7 'For a Secret Never to be Told' present
‘Dad? Is everything alright?’
Edward didn’t respond to his son at first for his head whirled with so many questions it was like being at a conference. Max had politely taken his leave soon after he and Grace had re-emerged from the kitchen. He knew his daughter well for it was just like reading Winry. Her smile had been strained and her nostrils had flared whenever Max touched her. Why Grace would be playing along with this boy he did not know and if she hadn’t told him already she wouldn’t any time soon.
But something else tumbled about in his thoughts and that was the very face of Max. Those low, light brown shifty eyes, the mass of shaggy hair flopping over his forehead.
‘He looked like the colonel,’ Jimmy sighed.
‘I think you’re seeing things Jimmy,’ Grace replied taking a sip from her tea.
‘Are you trying to hide you like the colonel by dating someone who looks like him?’
‘Shut up Jimmy!’
‘He does doesn’t he dad?’
Edward looked at his daughter before he spoke and he saw the panic hidden deep within her eyes. He was sure she was not with this boy but they had collided somehow. People had tried to get to him via Grace before but she was not stupid enough to fall for them. This Max held something over her but she was distressed enough as it was so for now he would leave it.
‘Leave your sister alone James. Can I phone you mother Grace?’
She nodded and watched him leave the room with a heavy heart. He hadn’t been the same since Max had left and she feared he was angry with her. She wanted to tell him the truth but she just couldn’t so she would have to suffer for the moment. All the pain she felt she would double upon Max just as soon as she found out how. He was a fool for thinking she could give him anything even if he was trying to be a part of her life.
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‘Winry, the time has come for me to confess. There is a secret I have been keeping from you for many years now; I kept it from everyone in fact. I need you to go into the basement and take down the fifth arm from the left that’s hung up on the wall.’
Her stomach stirred with worry but Winry would have been foolish to believe she still knew all of her husband’s secrets. Putting the phone gently down she went to explore all the old auto-mail that would never be used. She reached up and pulled down the arm as instructed, getting covered in dust and cobwebs. As she coughed she noticed something fall out of the arm and she guessed that was what Ed meant for her to find. She picked it up and flipped it over. It was a photo of a heavily pregnant Hawkeye.
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He heard the arm clatter to the ground on the other end of the phone meaning Winry had clearly found what she was looking for. He prepared himself for the verbal onslaught as he heard her pick up the phone but he never got one.
‘Why did Riza never tell me?’
‘She wanted to Winry I’m sure of it. She never meant to tell anyone but I found her in this state quite by accident. She swore me to secrecy and I had to keep it.’
‘Then where is this child? Who is the father?’
‘That’s what I plan to find out now certain things have come to light. I’m sending Grace home for a while.’
‘She isn’t in danger is she?’
‘No no she’s not in danger but she needs to be kept an eye on. There are some traits of me that Grace really shouldn’t have picked up.’
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‘You look just like your mother with that scowl across your face.’
‘What do you expect dad? Yesterday morning I was quite ready to spend a few days relaxing now it’s tomorrow morning and you’ve marched me to the train station. Now you are sending me home for a few weeks when I have a pile of work to try…’
‘Aww is Grace going to miss Maxy?’
She snarled at her brother but said not a word. She was still most angry at her father for dumping this news so suddenly on her and for no apparent reason. If mother wanted her home she would have said when she called her herself.
‘Here, read this on the way.’
She reached through the window and took the envelope from her fathers hands. When she finally looked in his eyes she saw the confusion and pain she had caused him keeping these secrets and she melted. The whistle was blown to announce the train leaving and she gave him a gentle smile. Jimmy nodded at her before turning his back for he was never comfortable with goodbyes. As they sank further into the distance she felt a pain in her heart for all the people who hadn’t had parents to cling on to.
After about an hour on the train she finally opened the envelope and began to read the letter inside.
Dear Grace
Never feel guilty for keeping a secret you have sworn to. You do it out of love and not to be spiteful. I know this because I have held my own secret for many years now. Since I am not sure what you know I still cannot reveal it to you but rest assured I am getting things cleared up now. Enjoy your time with you mother, a child and their parent should never be separated for too long.
Dad
Her stomach dropped as she read the last line again. He wasn’t hiding his secret from her but covering his tracks if anyone else got the letter. She couldn’t tell precisely what he knew but he must have known Max belonged to someone. Curse Max and his likeness to his father, curse Max altogether. Life had been so much more peaceful when he wasn’t around. She crushed the letter in her hand as she thought about his arrogance last night but then laughed when she realised no-one could pull the wool over her fathers eyes.
What played on her mind most was the threat that Max had issued her. ‘I am going to be a part of your life Grace so I can take exactly what I want from you’ She was clueless as to what he thought he could gain from her. If he knew who is parents were why didn’t he just go to them? Was he really so stubborn to believe they didn’t want him and so gave him away? Perhaps what he believed he could get from her was the truth about why poor Riza had to give up her child.
She relaxed and took a deep breath. She was going home where she would be safe from Max Wallis for a while and she could ignore all of this had ever happened.
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Another pair of Elrics where watching the world speed by as they sat on a train. They were heading to colder climes then Grace but their mission was of far greater importance. Thankfully Edward had been able to keep the complete truth from his son but he was aware they were heading to see the Colonel. He had always suspected who Riza’s child had belonged to but had no real proof. At this point Ed was still unaware just how he would approach the subject for he was not meant to know. However his strong curiosity mixed in with his own parental instinct drove him toward the Colonel and the question of why he gave up his own child. Whether he would reveal to Mustang that his son was alive and well and harassing Ed’s child was yet to be seen. It would be a spur of the moment thing depending on what Mustang would answer.
Mentally he apologised to Riza for finally breaking his silence. It had been over eighteen years now since Max had come into the world. Instead of remaining a secret he had found out the truth so who could blame him for wanting to find out. But harassing Grace for it was not an issue to Edward had sent her home knowing she would be safe there. After he had found out the truth he would track Max down himself and sort all of this mess out.
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He could see her further on down the train. Every so often her light blond hair would flick out as she turned her head. To reveal himself now would be a stupid thing to do. Revealing himself when they got to the train station would also be too risky. He would follow her and pick the right time to make his presence known. He admired Edward for trying to protect his daughter but it would all be in vein. He would track Grace to the ends of the earth in order to gain what he wanted and that would be at any cost.
‘What the hell do you think you’re doing here!’ she screamed, attracting the attention of everyone around her.
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‘You aren’t happy to see me darling?’
She had never had a temper tantrum but she was close to throwing one there and then. Max stood on the platform after getting off the same train she had been on. She was aware of the other passengers who had got off staring at her but what was the point in caring.
‘You…you stalker!’ she wailed as he casually walked toward her. With that idiotic grin spread across his face he winked at her and whispered in her ear ‘Can’t meet future father and not future mother.’
Since she did not care of he would ever produce children she kneed him as hard as she could right where it hurt the most. Instantly he doubled over and fell to the floor as she turned tail and stormed off in the direction of her home. If she went quick enough he wouldn’t be able to find her and she would still be free from him. She heard him call out that it was a joke but she was past finding him funny and had been ever since he entered her life.
Chapter 6 'It Would Happen' past
Riza had been standing in the doorway for minutes while Mustang pointed a finger at her. She had entered his room to find him looking through his telescope out of the window. She had gone to speak but he had silenced her. His finger hadn’t moved and neither had she. Such was his erratic behaviour over the past few months. He had gradually built up a belief that someone was out to kill him and that they were always close to him. Riza herself hadn’t seen any evidence to support his theory so let him get on with it. Men could be so confusing at times.
‘Come here Hawkeye!’
Out of the silence he barked a command at her but did not avert his gaze from whatever he was studying. Placing her papers on the desk she slowly strolled over to his side and stood ridged. Without warning he grabbed her hips and pulled her in front of him. Although she had her back to him she sensed the frustrated and angry face he was pulling so she dared to look through the telescope.
It was focused on some empty bushes. She looked for a while but she could simply not see a thing. True it was dark but her training meant she could overcome such problems.
‘Sir I…’
She felt his hot breath by her ear before she could carry on what she was going to say. For a moment or two he breathed heavily and she could feel his heartbeat beat at top speed against her back. She had not been so physically close to him for a long while and she began to feel light headed.
‘Can you see him?’ he finally asked.
‘No sir, I see nothing.’
With some force he threw her aside and but his eye to the telescope once again. He let out a frustrated growl and snapped the curtains shut. It was the first time he appeared violent because of his paranoia and she decided it was time to say something.
‘Sir, I do not believe someone is following you…’
‘He’s good, very good. He’s toying with me Hawkeye, letting me but no-one else catch a glimpse of him so you all think I’m making it up.’
‘No-body thinks you are making this up sir. I think you are going through a very stressful time.’
‘I have been through worse then this and not seen things haven’t I?’ he asked pacing back and forth, ‘You believe me surely Hawkeye?’
The desperation in his eyes unnerved her terribly and she caved in to nodding. His shoulders relaxed slightly at this and his breathing became regular once again. She stood politely for another moment or two before taking up her papers and requesting she leave to go to bed.
‘Don’t leave!’
‘Sir?’
‘I said don’t leave. I wish for you to stay with me tonight.’
She began to blush furiously and words scattered about in her brain trying to piece together the right thing to say but she accomplished nothing. Gawping like a fish she managed to make not a syllable. What he really so blunt in all his propositions?
‘He knows I sleep alone. Perhaps if you stay you will able to catch a glimpse of him as he thinks no-one will be here.’
You fool Riza, cast that blush from your face and agree to follow orders.
‘Very well sir but you must sleep in the chair,’ she said perfectly casually.
He laughed and genuinely smiled as she went to change into her bedclothes. He hadn’t slept for a good long while anyhow. Perhaps it was inevitable he would end up in bed that night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She felt the heat of the morning sun creeping through the crack in the curtains and she slowly opened her eyes. It was going to be a wonderful day if that sun was anything to go by and she smiled. The figure beside her buried his head further into her back to rather shut out the light.
Her ideas of a peaceful day came to an abrupt halt once she remembered where she was. Her nightdress was flung over the back of a chair and she realised she wore nothing but her birthday suit. Everything had happened to quick last night her brain clearly hadn’t registered exactly what had happened.
Mustang did snuggle himself him in his chair originally while she had crept into bed and desperately tried to ignore how against regulations it all was. Still he had given her a command and she had to follow it to the last.
After an hour had gone by she had believed he was sleeping and she was finally able to rest. That was when he had literally pounced on her and muffled any protest by kissing her.
Once they had started they didn’t stop. Without a word they had proceeded to undress each other and make love until they could barely move. He had instantly fallen asleep and so had she.
Now she had woken up the shock of what she had done set in. With the silence of an assassin she got herself dressed and fled from the room before Roy could wake up and dismiss her forever. He had only done what he had done out of this insanity that led him to believe somebody was following him. She had run all the way into the street and hoped no-one could see what she had done from the expression on her face. She had shamed all she had ever worked for and she felt sick with embarrassment. Some creepy little man had laughed at her as she bolted toward Gracier’s house to seek comfort and she had almost pulled out her gun and shot him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No amount of tea could sooth her soul but the warmth Gracier showed her had at least stopped her being so white knuckled. Considering what she had done she once again ignored her military training and told Gracier what had happened.
‘I will be accused of taking advantage of him while he was in an unfit state. I shouldn’t have even been in his room’
‘Oh Riza you have before and felt no guilt. You were making him feel secure and isn’t that your job?’
‘Nothing happened before. I may as well quit here and now.’
‘If I might say so Riza, your heart hasn’t been as in your job as it once was. Ever since Winry had Grace in fact I can see you’ve been yearning to start living a different life.’
Riza sighed, ‘The military is everything to me. I couldn’t start something new just like that.’
‘Why not? Major Armstrong did and he hasn’t been happier.’
The more Riza thought of it the more she knew Gracier to be right. That pang in her heart when she looked at Winry and Grace was trying to tell her what she valued in life was changing. She wanted to escape, find love and settle down. Perhaps sleeping with Roy was her way of trying to get fired so she could live that life. Why had she missed the signs when they had been right in front of her?
From that day on she would leave the military, the regime and Roy Mustang all behind to start doing what she really wanted to do. She would have to give a months notice but the last four weeks would start from that moment.
Chapter 7 'For a Secret Never to be Told' present
‘Dad? Is everything alright?’
Edward didn’t respond to his son at first for his head whirled with so many questions it was like being at a conference. Max had politely taken his leave soon after he and Grace had re-emerged from the kitchen. He knew his daughter well for it was just like reading Winry. Her smile had been strained and her nostrils had flared whenever Max touched her. Why Grace would be playing along with this boy he did not know and if she hadn’t told him already she wouldn’t any time soon.
But something else tumbled about in his thoughts and that was the very face of Max. Those low, light brown shifty eyes, the mass of shaggy hair flopping over his forehead.
‘He looked like the colonel,’ Jimmy sighed.
‘I think you’re seeing things Jimmy,’ Grace replied taking a sip from her tea.
‘Are you trying to hide you like the colonel by dating someone who looks like him?’
‘Shut up Jimmy!’
‘He does doesn’t he dad?’
Edward looked at his daughter before he spoke and he saw the panic hidden deep within her eyes. He was sure she was not with this boy but they had collided somehow. People had tried to get to him via Grace before but she was not stupid enough to fall for them. This Max held something over her but she was distressed enough as it was so for now he would leave it.
‘Leave your sister alone James. Can I phone you mother Grace?’
She nodded and watched him leave the room with a heavy heart. He hadn’t been the same since Max had left and she feared he was angry with her. She wanted to tell him the truth but she just couldn’t so she would have to suffer for the moment. All the pain she felt she would double upon Max just as soon as she found out how. He was a fool for thinking she could give him anything even if he was trying to be a part of her life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Winry, the time has come for me to confess. There is a secret I have been keeping from you for many years now; I kept it from everyone in fact. I need you to go into the basement and take down the fifth arm from the left that’s hung up on the wall.’
Her stomach stirred with worry but Winry would have been foolish to believe she still knew all of her husband’s secrets. Putting the phone gently down she went to explore all the old auto-mail that would never be used. She reached up and pulled down the arm as instructed, getting covered in dust and cobwebs. As she coughed she noticed something fall out of the arm and she guessed that was what Ed meant for her to find. She picked it up and flipped it over. It was a photo of a heavily pregnant Hawkeye.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He heard the arm clatter to the ground on the other end of the phone meaning Winry had clearly found what she was looking for. He prepared himself for the verbal onslaught as he heard her pick up the phone but he never got one.
‘Why did Riza never tell me?’
‘She wanted to Winry I’m sure of it. She never meant to tell anyone but I found her in this state quite by accident. She swore me to secrecy and I had to keep it.’
‘Then where is this child? Who is the father?’
‘That’s what I plan to find out now certain things have come to light. I’m sending Grace home for a while.’
‘She isn’t in danger is she?’
‘No no she’s not in danger but she needs to be kept an eye on. There are some traits of me that Grace really shouldn’t have picked up.’
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘You look just like your mother with that scowl across your face.’
‘What do you expect dad? Yesterday morning I was quite ready to spend a few days relaxing now it’s tomorrow morning and you’ve marched me to the train station. Now you are sending me home for a few weeks when I have a pile of work to try…’
‘Aww is Grace going to miss Maxy?’
She snarled at her brother but said not a word. She was still most angry at her father for dumping this news so suddenly on her and for no apparent reason. If mother wanted her home she would have said when she called her herself.
‘Here, read this on the way.’
She reached through the window and took the envelope from her fathers hands. When she finally looked in his eyes she saw the confusion and pain she had caused him keeping these secrets and she melted. The whistle was blown to announce the train leaving and she gave him a gentle smile. Jimmy nodded at her before turning his back for he was never comfortable with goodbyes. As they sank further into the distance she felt a pain in her heart for all the people who hadn’t had parents to cling on to.
After about an hour on the train she finally opened the envelope and began to read the letter inside.
Dear Grace
Never feel guilty for keeping a secret you have sworn to. You do it out of love and not to be spiteful. I know this because I have held my own secret for many years now. Since I am not sure what you know I still cannot reveal it to you but rest assured I am getting things cleared up now. Enjoy your time with you mother, a child and their parent should never be separated for too long.
Dad
Her stomach dropped as she read the last line again. He wasn’t hiding his secret from her but covering his tracks if anyone else got the letter. She couldn’t tell precisely what he knew but he must have known Max belonged to someone. Curse Max and his likeness to his father, curse Max altogether. Life had been so much more peaceful when he wasn’t around. She crushed the letter in her hand as she thought about his arrogance last night but then laughed when she realised no-one could pull the wool over her fathers eyes.
What played on her mind most was the threat that Max had issued her. ‘I am going to be a part of your life Grace so I can take exactly what I want from you’ She was clueless as to what he thought he could gain from her. If he knew who is parents were why didn’t he just go to them? Was he really so stubborn to believe they didn’t want him and so gave him away? Perhaps what he believed he could get from her was the truth about why poor Riza had to give up her child.
She relaxed and took a deep breath. She was going home where she would be safe from Max Wallis for a while and she could ignore all of this had ever happened.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another pair of Elrics where watching the world speed by as they sat on a train. They were heading to colder climes then Grace but their mission was of far greater importance. Thankfully Edward had been able to keep the complete truth from his son but he was aware they were heading to see the Colonel. He had always suspected who Riza’s child had belonged to but had no real proof. At this point Ed was still unaware just how he would approach the subject for he was not meant to know. However his strong curiosity mixed in with his own parental instinct drove him toward the Colonel and the question of why he gave up his own child. Whether he would reveal to Mustang that his son was alive and well and harassing Ed’s child was yet to be seen. It would be a spur of the moment thing depending on what Mustang would answer.
Mentally he apologised to Riza for finally breaking his silence. It had been over eighteen years now since Max had come into the world. Instead of remaining a secret he had found out the truth so who could blame him for wanting to find out. But harassing Grace for it was not an issue to Edward had sent her home knowing she would be safe there. After he had found out the truth he would track Max down himself and sort all of this mess out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He could see her further on down the train. Every so often her light blond hair would flick out as she turned her head. To reveal himself now would be a stupid thing to do. Revealing himself when they got to the train station would also be too risky. He would follow her and pick the right time to make his presence known. He admired Edward for trying to protect his daughter but it would all be in vein. He would track Grace to the ends of the earth in order to gain what he wanted and that would be at any cost.
‘What the hell do you think you’re doing here!’ she screamed, attracting the attention of everyone around her.
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‘You aren’t happy to see me darling?’
She had never had a temper tantrum but she was close to throwing one there and then. Max stood on the platform after getting off the same train she had been on. She was aware of the other passengers who had got off staring at her but what was the point in caring.
‘You…you stalker!’ she wailed as he casually walked toward her. With that idiotic grin spread across his face he winked at her and whispered in her ear ‘Can’t meet future father and not future mother.’
Since she did not care of he would ever produce children she kneed him as hard as she could right where it hurt the most. Instantly he doubled over and fell to the floor as she turned tail and stormed off in the direction of her home. If she went quick enough he wouldn’t be able to find her and she would still be free from him. She heard him call out that it was a joke but she was past finding him funny and had been ever since he entered her life.
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