FMA Fic; "All the Flowers Growing Wild" 3/?
All the Flowers Growing Wild
S J Smith
Disclaimer: I am not now, nor have I ever been, Hiromu Arakawa. Drat it all.
Summary: The flowers always smelled sweetest at the end of summer.
Rating: Let’s go with teen for now.
A.N.: Thanks to cornerofmadness for the edits and attagirls on this story.
A.N. 2: Timeline, what timeline - because this takes place shortly after the whole incident with Scar and Father - but prior to the Brothers Elric actually leaving Central to go north.
Counting Flowers on the Wall
Fading Like a Flower
Chapter 3: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
* * *
They wound up taking the guy - “Anthony. Anthony Heubner. Call me Tony. Everyone does” - with them back to the hotel. Edward wasn’t too keen on the idea of Tony knowing where they were staying - hell, what if he was Envy in disguise? Or one of the Fuhrer’s men? - but Winry overruled him in that particular way she had. Dammit, I am not getting soft on her blue eyes. It’s that stupid wrench’s fault! And then Winry needed a shower to get cleaned up and that was awkward, sitting at the table, waiting for her to come back out. Edward found himself half wishing he was anywhere else than in this room. For some reason, the idea of Winry in the shower was playing havoc with his brain. Every time he managed to drag them back to the matter at hand, some sort of sound would come through the walls and Edward would lose his train of thought again. Glad that Alphonse was there to keep up with what the Tony guy was saying, Edward just hoped his face wasn’t turning red as his favorite jacket.
The sound of the bathroom door opening nearly had Edward spinning in his seat but he managed to remain still, even though a wave of steam entered the room, carrying the scent of some sort of flowers. He thought it might be honeysuckle or maybe lavender. Whatever it was, it smelled nice and like Winry. Dammit, I’m doing it again! Scowling, Edward forced his attention back on the Tony guy, folding his arms across his chest. I’m listening.
“…for a little time off.” Tony spun his middle fingers around each other; his gaze focused on the movements of his fingers. “I’ve known Anne for four years, now.” He sighed, the corner of his mouth curling up just a bit. “I wanted to bring her here and take her out on one of the punting boats; get her in the middle of the lake and propose.”
Whaaat? Edward jerked sideways, really wishing there was a way of reading Al’s face. His little brother was tapping his fingertips together, like he was embarrassed about something or wanting to change the subject. Just what the hell was the plan with Winry, here? Showing he was actually paying attention, Edward leaned his elbow on the table, slowly turning away from his brother. “So, what happened?” He hoped that Al hadn’t already asked that question.
Tony’s smile became more self-depreciating. “We got into an argument. I should’ve gone for the walk to cool off, you know? Instead, Anne said she wanted to go and I. Let Her.” He pounded his fist on the table, emphasizing each word.
“Then what?” Winry took the chair across from Edward, her hair still damp and dark from the shower. She pushed a strand back over her shoulders, her brow furrowing.
Tony’s grimace wasn’t hidden by the way he lowered his head. “I haven’t seen her since. No one’s seen her. It’s like she vanished.”
“Could she have gone back home?” Winry’s frown deepened.
“I called.” He glanced at Winry. “No one’s seen her. Her parents, they died in the Ishbal war. One of the families took her in but she was just waiting until she got old enough to leave our little town. I thought I’d go with her. I have a job waiting for me in Dublith, one that would set us up with a house, if we saved for a couple of years.” His gaze went distant as he murmured, “Anne loved flowers. That’s why I wanted to bring her to Conway, the flowers. Have you seen the gardens? Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Brother.” Alphonse sounded disappointed.
Edward waved him off. “So Anne liked flowers. I saw two flower shops just down the street from here. Did you talk to any of the florists?”
“Every single one in this town.” Tony shook his head, dismayed. “Nobody remembered her.” He fished in his pocket, pulling out a pocket watch. “You’d think if someone had seen Anne,” he opened the lid, offering the watch to Winry, “I’d hear about it.”
Winry studied the watch. “She’s pretty.” Passing the watch to Alphonse, she touched Tony’s hand, squeezing it. “What did the police say?”
Yanking free from Winry’s grasp, Tony rose, moving jerkily away from the table. “They said she was an adult. She just went home. Or somewhere else.” Laughing sharply, he dug his fingers into his hair. “Anne wouldn’t have gone home. She wouldn’t have left without telling me.” Whirling back, he slammed his hands on the tabletop, making it shudder. “We loved each other.”
The corners of Edward’s mouth turned down as he accepted the watch from Al. The photograph was carefully cut to fit into the watch cover and, studying it, Edward could understand why Tony had thought Winry was his girlfriend. Their coloring was very close and the shape of their faces similar. Anne, Edward thought, wasn’t quite as cute as Winry but he’d almost bet Tony would say the same thing about Winry not being as pretty as Anne.
“Maybe we can help,” Alphonse said.
“We can.” Winry was nodding. “We can help you talk to the police. Ed’s an - ”
“Part of the military.” Edward inserted before Winry could say he was an alchemist. He didn’t want Tony to know; didn’t really want anyone to know. He was supposed to be covertly on leave, after all. Ignoring Winry’s curious glance, Edward folded his arms. “I might be able to get someone to pay attention to you.”
Tony’s expression was one of polite disbelief. “No offense, but you’re just a kid. You’re part of the military?”
Edward’s jaw tightened. At least Tony hadn’t called him short. “I’m a major,” he muttered, “I can talk to the police for you.”
“A major?” His eyebrows climbing into his bangs, Tony shook his head. “Sorry. Yeah.” His face cleared and he offered Edward an apologetic smile. “I’d appreciate any help you can offer. Each of you.” This time, Tony included Al and Winry in his grin. “I just want to find Anne.” Smile wavering, Tony pressed his fingertips to his eyes, not able to stop the tears that trickled out from under his closed lids.
“We’ll find her.” Winry’s firm voice was a promise. Edward just hoped they’d be able to keep it.
* * *
Winry was all for starting the search that night; going to the police stations in town and insisting that someone help Tony, right then and there. Tony approved of the idea and Edward went along with it, albeit a little reluctantly. Alphonse understood that reluctance though he didn’t say anything out loud. If Anne had been missing as long as Tony said, it was possible she was already dead or that she really didn’t want Tony to find her. Personally, Alphonse wasn’t quite sure they should have let Tony come back to the hotel room with them. The way he’d look at Winry when she didn’t seem to notice made Alphonse bristle. Somehow, those lingering glances didn’t coincide with Edward’s, otherwise Tony might’ve gotten an earful.
Edward spoke privately to the officer on duty at each police station. While kind and attentive, the officers didn’t seem particularly helpful or even encouraging. Alphonse was positive Edward was showing his watch to make sure that Tony’s request was heard, though they weren’t privy to the actual conversation. Instead, he and Winry waited outside while Edward called Tony back into the office. Three stations in as many hours and even Alphonse felt some of the drag that he could see in both his brother and Winry. He wished he could’ve encouraged them to eat something before they started this errand. Instead, they’d soldiered on, somehow managing to ignore Tony’s increasing agitation.
At the third station, as Winry slumped in her hard chair, her elbows on her knees and her chin in her cupped hands, Alphonse went to the desk and asked where they could get some sandwiches or something to eat. The sergeant on duty suggested a place just around the corner. “It’s a greasy spoon,” he said, stroking his moustache with a fore finger, “but it’s about the only place that’s still open this late, unless you want fancy.”
“No, someplace simple is fine.” Alphonse knew his brother would just want food, not to deal with a waiter who would look down his nose at a trio of kids, one in armor and the other two dressed casually. He returned to sit with Winry and they waited for Tony and Edward to come back from their talk with the officer.
“It’s a little scary, isn’t it, Al?” Winry straightened up, twining her fingers in her lap. “That someone could just disappear like that?”
“I’m sorry, Winry. We haven’t been very good about keeping in contact with you, have we?” Alphonse wanted to touch her shoulder but thought maybe she wouldn’t get any comfort out of it or worse, it would be awkward for both of them.
“You have good reason.” Her smile was wan and Alphonse thought it wasn’t good enough reason, to leave her and Granny Pinako wondering if they were dead or alive. “It’s okay, Al.” Winry turned, patting his shoulder, offering him comfort, as if he was a real person instead of a walking, talking suit of armor.
He didn’t agree but couldn’t really say anything to that. Instead, Alphonse studied the posters, stuck to the wall across from them. There were some wanted posters and Alphonse thought he saw a drawing of Scar half-hidden under another sheet of yellowed paper. A few posters were of missing people; some men, some women, some children. A pretty girl stared out of one of the posters and Alphonse had to look away. The little girl resembled Nina.
“But what I meant,” Winry went on, her voice soft, “is one second, someone’s there and the next, that person is just…gone. I understand why you guys left and why Mom and Dad did. Tony doesn’t and unless we can find Anne, he’ll never know.”
“Yeah.” Alphonse understood now. This time, he put his hand on Winry’s shoulder, wishing he could feel the warmth of her skin; wishing he could offer more than the cold leather that made up his gauntlets and the hard steel that housed his soul.
Hearing his brother’s voice, they both looked up, Alphonse rising to his feet. Winry peered past him, her fingers clenching in her lap.
“…for listening to us,” Edward was saying to the officer while Tony nodded in agreement.
“Of course, sir,” the officer said. “I must say, it’s been an honor to meet you.” He saluted Edward out the door.
Edward managed to keep from screwing up his face at that but only just. Tony, on the other hand, eyed him curiously, as if wondering why it would be an honor at all. “You know how to contact us,” Edward went on, preferring to offer his hand to the officer than to salute back.
“Yes, sir.” The officer nodded his grizzled head, clapping his hand on Tony’s shoulder. “We’ll do our best to find your fiancée.”
“Thank you.” Tony sounded mollified. “I appreciate your help, Officer Rothschild.” He, too, shook the officer’s hand before joining Edward. “Now what?”
“Now,” Edward said, almost patiently, “we’re going to get something to eat. If we can find a place that’s still open.”
“I know of one. The sergeant at the desk told me about a diner.” Alphonse noticed Tony looking at Winry again. Was he staring at her legs?
“I’d like something to eat.” Winry sounded tired as she said that, getting to her feet. Alphonse wanted to block her from Tony’s sight but she stepped up closer to the man. “You could come with us, if you want, Tony.”
He smiled in response, shaking his head. “No, I’ve probably taken enough of your time. But if it weren’t for you three, the police wouldn’t have spoken with me. I really appreciate it, Edward.” Tony offered Edward his hand.
“Eh…no problem.” Edward shook hands. “Look, if you hear anything, let us know, all right? I mean, you know where we’re staying.”
“Yeah, I will.” Tony followed them out of the station, his hands tucked in his pockets. “Look, thank all of you for your help. Winry, I’m sorry about your clothes. You can send me the cleaning bill.”
“It’s okay, Tony.” She smiled at him, weary but genuine. “You should try to get some rest. Tomorrow, maybe you’ll have good news.”
He nodded at that. “Thanks again.” Raising a hand in a quick wave, he glanced around, making sure of the direction, and started off down the street.
Edward let out a sigh akin to a train whistle. “Ahhh, I’m glad that’s over,” he said, when it was obvious Tony was no longer in earshot. “C’mon. I’m starving. Al, where’s this diner?”
“This way.” Alphonse pointed in the opposite direction that Tony took, glad that they were going their separate ways.
* * *
The daisy was slender, with beautiful, perfect petals that almost seemed to glow in the dim lighting. He liked daisies; they were nearly his very favorite of all flowers. They seemed simple and common but they blended so well with others. They were the first blush of love, what with that simple, ‘loves me, loves me not’ refrain. Their petals seemed thin and delicate but withstood winds that other flowers couldn’t stand up to. And, perhaps best of all, they grew easily, almost anywhere. They brightened garden nooks and clustered well in jars. They weren’t as elegant as an orchid or as robust as a rose but they looked good, regardless.
He was particularly fond of the daisies he found while he wandered around Conway. He found them in such unusual places. They grew everywhere, in the alleys where the good folk didn’t dare go; in the gardens of the wealthy. It sometimes was a challenge, finding the perfect flower but his daisies never let him down. They always grew up, almost like weeds. Sometimes more than one presented itself to him, making his decisions more difficult. Still, he figured he shouldn’t be greedy. Daisies were almost plentiful enough that everyone could have them.
He just liked to make sure the best ones came to his garden.
* * *
Even the comfort of the bed didn’t distract Edward from his thoughts. They kept rolling around in his head, nagging at him. He wasn’t even sure he’d be able to sleep. Tony’s girlfriend, Anne; the way she just disappeared; it almost made him sick to think that something like that could happen to Winry.
“What’s wrong, Brother?”
Couldn’t sneak anything past Al. Well, not much, at least. Edward sighed, lacing his hands together to cradle his head. “Just thinking, Al.”
“About Winry?”
Dammit, why did Al have to be so perceptive? “Yeah.”
“What are you thinking about her?”
And why did he have to have that sly tone to his voice? Edward turned his head to glare at his little brother though the glower melted almost before Al noticed it. “Trying to decide if we should tell her about everything that happened after she left Central.”
Al’s, “Oh,” sounded even more hollow than normal and made Edward snort in response.
“I don’t want to, Al. I don’t want to scare her. But I can’t help thinking I ought to warn her, you know? She never asked for this but she’s caught up in it.” Edward sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. “But then I think, what if she hates us for getting her involved?”
“Brother,” Alphonse began, sounding stern, and Edward waved a hand in response.
“I know, that’s stupid. But I still think it, Al.” He sighed gustily. “I want to know if I should tell her about Ling and Ran Fan.” His mouth tipped down. “What if Greed catches up to her? He could take her to that…Father and who knows what could happen.” And Winry would trust Greed, too, because of Ling, and not knowing how dangerous things could be. “Gah!” Edward dug his flesh hand into his hair.
“Maybe we should tell her.” Alphonse still sounded unsure and Edward didn’t blame him. Winry would probably want to know why they hadn’t told her immediately. And how would she react, finding out she was a hostage? Edward dreaded saying anything but he thought if she didn’t know, it might be worse. Maybe this was why Colonel Bastard sent her the ticket, so he and Al could explain to Winry what was actually going on.
“…Dammit.”
“Don’t tear at your hair, Brother.”
“…just wish I knew what to do.” Edward let his hands fall between his knees, leaning his elbows on his thighs. He never wanted Winry to be involved in this. Never even thought that someone would make her a part of it. How stupid was that, on his part? The way he and Al protected her from Scar would have made tongues wag, especially after all his work trying to attract Scar’s attention in the first place. Even if Bradley hadn’t come to the police station and sat with Winry, Edward thought the Fuhrer would’ve heard of Winry somehow or another. He hated the idea of ‘fate’ but it almost seemed that Winry was destined to walk the razor’s edge with Al and him.
“Well, we have almost three more weeks, Brother. I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Alphonse got up. “I think I’ll do some studying in the main room. Good night.”
Murmuring some sort of reply, Edward flopped back down on the bed, covering his eyes with his arm. Maybe things would make sense in the morning. Maybe Al would have his body back then, too, as long as he was dreaming.
* * *
S J Smith
Disclaimer: I am not now, nor have I ever been, Hiromu Arakawa. Drat it all.
Summary: The flowers always smelled sweetest at the end of summer.
Rating: Let’s go with teen for now.
A.N.: Thanks to cornerofmadness for the edits and attagirls on this story.
A.N. 2: Timeline, what timeline - because this takes place shortly after the whole incident with Scar and Father - but prior to the Brothers Elric actually leaving Central to go north.
Counting Flowers on the Wall
Fading Like a Flower
Chapter 3: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
* * *
They wound up taking the guy - “Anthony. Anthony Heubner. Call me Tony. Everyone does” - with them back to the hotel. Edward wasn’t too keen on the idea of Tony knowing where they were staying - hell, what if he was Envy in disguise? Or one of the Fuhrer’s men? - but Winry overruled him in that particular way she had. Dammit, I am not getting soft on her blue eyes. It’s that stupid wrench’s fault! And then Winry needed a shower to get cleaned up and that was awkward, sitting at the table, waiting for her to come back out. Edward found himself half wishing he was anywhere else than in this room. For some reason, the idea of Winry in the shower was playing havoc with his brain. Every time he managed to drag them back to the matter at hand, some sort of sound would come through the walls and Edward would lose his train of thought again. Glad that Alphonse was there to keep up with what the Tony guy was saying, Edward just hoped his face wasn’t turning red as his favorite jacket.
The sound of the bathroom door opening nearly had Edward spinning in his seat but he managed to remain still, even though a wave of steam entered the room, carrying the scent of some sort of flowers. He thought it might be honeysuckle or maybe lavender. Whatever it was, it smelled nice and like Winry. Dammit, I’m doing it again! Scowling, Edward forced his attention back on the Tony guy, folding his arms across his chest. I’m listening.
“…for a little time off.” Tony spun his middle fingers around each other; his gaze focused on the movements of his fingers. “I’ve known Anne for four years, now.” He sighed, the corner of his mouth curling up just a bit. “I wanted to bring her here and take her out on one of the punting boats; get her in the middle of the lake and propose.”
Whaaat? Edward jerked sideways, really wishing there was a way of reading Al’s face. His little brother was tapping his fingertips together, like he was embarrassed about something or wanting to change the subject. Just what the hell was the plan with Winry, here? Showing he was actually paying attention, Edward leaned his elbow on the table, slowly turning away from his brother. “So, what happened?” He hoped that Al hadn’t already asked that question.
Tony’s smile became more self-depreciating. “We got into an argument. I should’ve gone for the walk to cool off, you know? Instead, Anne said she wanted to go and I. Let Her.” He pounded his fist on the table, emphasizing each word.
“Then what?” Winry took the chair across from Edward, her hair still damp and dark from the shower. She pushed a strand back over her shoulders, her brow furrowing.
Tony’s grimace wasn’t hidden by the way he lowered his head. “I haven’t seen her since. No one’s seen her. It’s like she vanished.”
“Could she have gone back home?” Winry’s frown deepened.
“I called.” He glanced at Winry. “No one’s seen her. Her parents, they died in the Ishbal war. One of the families took her in but she was just waiting until she got old enough to leave our little town. I thought I’d go with her. I have a job waiting for me in Dublith, one that would set us up with a house, if we saved for a couple of years.” His gaze went distant as he murmured, “Anne loved flowers. That’s why I wanted to bring her to Conway, the flowers. Have you seen the gardens? Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Brother.” Alphonse sounded disappointed.
Edward waved him off. “So Anne liked flowers. I saw two flower shops just down the street from here. Did you talk to any of the florists?”
“Every single one in this town.” Tony shook his head, dismayed. “Nobody remembered her.” He fished in his pocket, pulling out a pocket watch. “You’d think if someone had seen Anne,” he opened the lid, offering the watch to Winry, “I’d hear about it.”
Winry studied the watch. “She’s pretty.” Passing the watch to Alphonse, she touched Tony’s hand, squeezing it. “What did the police say?”
Yanking free from Winry’s grasp, Tony rose, moving jerkily away from the table. “They said she was an adult. She just went home. Or somewhere else.” Laughing sharply, he dug his fingers into his hair. “Anne wouldn’t have gone home. She wouldn’t have left without telling me.” Whirling back, he slammed his hands on the tabletop, making it shudder. “We loved each other.”
The corners of Edward’s mouth turned down as he accepted the watch from Al. The photograph was carefully cut to fit into the watch cover and, studying it, Edward could understand why Tony had thought Winry was his girlfriend. Their coloring was very close and the shape of their faces similar. Anne, Edward thought, wasn’t quite as cute as Winry but he’d almost bet Tony would say the same thing about Winry not being as pretty as Anne.
“Maybe we can help,” Alphonse said.
“We can.” Winry was nodding. “We can help you talk to the police. Ed’s an - ”
“Part of the military.” Edward inserted before Winry could say he was an alchemist. He didn’t want Tony to know; didn’t really want anyone to know. He was supposed to be covertly on leave, after all. Ignoring Winry’s curious glance, Edward folded his arms. “I might be able to get someone to pay attention to you.”
Tony’s expression was one of polite disbelief. “No offense, but you’re just a kid. You’re part of the military?”
Edward’s jaw tightened. At least Tony hadn’t called him short. “I’m a major,” he muttered, “I can talk to the police for you.”
“A major?” His eyebrows climbing into his bangs, Tony shook his head. “Sorry. Yeah.” His face cleared and he offered Edward an apologetic smile. “I’d appreciate any help you can offer. Each of you.” This time, Tony included Al and Winry in his grin. “I just want to find Anne.” Smile wavering, Tony pressed his fingertips to his eyes, not able to stop the tears that trickled out from under his closed lids.
“We’ll find her.” Winry’s firm voice was a promise. Edward just hoped they’d be able to keep it.
* * *
Winry was all for starting the search that night; going to the police stations in town and insisting that someone help Tony, right then and there. Tony approved of the idea and Edward went along with it, albeit a little reluctantly. Alphonse understood that reluctance though he didn’t say anything out loud. If Anne had been missing as long as Tony said, it was possible she was already dead or that she really didn’t want Tony to find her. Personally, Alphonse wasn’t quite sure they should have let Tony come back to the hotel room with them. The way he’d look at Winry when she didn’t seem to notice made Alphonse bristle. Somehow, those lingering glances didn’t coincide with Edward’s, otherwise Tony might’ve gotten an earful.
Edward spoke privately to the officer on duty at each police station. While kind and attentive, the officers didn’t seem particularly helpful or even encouraging. Alphonse was positive Edward was showing his watch to make sure that Tony’s request was heard, though they weren’t privy to the actual conversation. Instead, he and Winry waited outside while Edward called Tony back into the office. Three stations in as many hours and even Alphonse felt some of the drag that he could see in both his brother and Winry. He wished he could’ve encouraged them to eat something before they started this errand. Instead, they’d soldiered on, somehow managing to ignore Tony’s increasing agitation.
At the third station, as Winry slumped in her hard chair, her elbows on her knees and her chin in her cupped hands, Alphonse went to the desk and asked where they could get some sandwiches or something to eat. The sergeant on duty suggested a place just around the corner. “It’s a greasy spoon,” he said, stroking his moustache with a fore finger, “but it’s about the only place that’s still open this late, unless you want fancy.”
“No, someplace simple is fine.” Alphonse knew his brother would just want food, not to deal with a waiter who would look down his nose at a trio of kids, one in armor and the other two dressed casually. He returned to sit with Winry and they waited for Tony and Edward to come back from their talk with the officer.
“It’s a little scary, isn’t it, Al?” Winry straightened up, twining her fingers in her lap. “That someone could just disappear like that?”
“I’m sorry, Winry. We haven’t been very good about keeping in contact with you, have we?” Alphonse wanted to touch her shoulder but thought maybe she wouldn’t get any comfort out of it or worse, it would be awkward for both of them.
“You have good reason.” Her smile was wan and Alphonse thought it wasn’t good enough reason, to leave her and Granny Pinako wondering if they were dead or alive. “It’s okay, Al.” Winry turned, patting his shoulder, offering him comfort, as if he was a real person instead of a walking, talking suit of armor.
He didn’t agree but couldn’t really say anything to that. Instead, Alphonse studied the posters, stuck to the wall across from them. There were some wanted posters and Alphonse thought he saw a drawing of Scar half-hidden under another sheet of yellowed paper. A few posters were of missing people; some men, some women, some children. A pretty girl stared out of one of the posters and Alphonse had to look away. The little girl resembled Nina.
“But what I meant,” Winry went on, her voice soft, “is one second, someone’s there and the next, that person is just…gone. I understand why you guys left and why Mom and Dad did. Tony doesn’t and unless we can find Anne, he’ll never know.”
“Yeah.” Alphonse understood now. This time, he put his hand on Winry’s shoulder, wishing he could feel the warmth of her skin; wishing he could offer more than the cold leather that made up his gauntlets and the hard steel that housed his soul.
Hearing his brother’s voice, they both looked up, Alphonse rising to his feet. Winry peered past him, her fingers clenching in her lap.
“…for listening to us,” Edward was saying to the officer while Tony nodded in agreement.
“Of course, sir,” the officer said. “I must say, it’s been an honor to meet you.” He saluted Edward out the door.
Edward managed to keep from screwing up his face at that but only just. Tony, on the other hand, eyed him curiously, as if wondering why it would be an honor at all. “You know how to contact us,” Edward went on, preferring to offer his hand to the officer than to salute back.
“Yes, sir.” The officer nodded his grizzled head, clapping his hand on Tony’s shoulder. “We’ll do our best to find your fiancée.”
“Thank you.” Tony sounded mollified. “I appreciate your help, Officer Rothschild.” He, too, shook the officer’s hand before joining Edward. “Now what?”
“Now,” Edward said, almost patiently, “we’re going to get something to eat. If we can find a place that’s still open.”
“I know of one. The sergeant at the desk told me about a diner.” Alphonse noticed Tony looking at Winry again. Was he staring at her legs?
“I’d like something to eat.” Winry sounded tired as she said that, getting to her feet. Alphonse wanted to block her from Tony’s sight but she stepped up closer to the man. “You could come with us, if you want, Tony.”
He smiled in response, shaking his head. “No, I’ve probably taken enough of your time. But if it weren’t for you three, the police wouldn’t have spoken with me. I really appreciate it, Edward.” Tony offered Edward his hand.
“Eh…no problem.” Edward shook hands. “Look, if you hear anything, let us know, all right? I mean, you know where we’re staying.”
“Yeah, I will.” Tony followed them out of the station, his hands tucked in his pockets. “Look, thank all of you for your help. Winry, I’m sorry about your clothes. You can send me the cleaning bill.”
“It’s okay, Tony.” She smiled at him, weary but genuine. “You should try to get some rest. Tomorrow, maybe you’ll have good news.”
He nodded at that. “Thanks again.” Raising a hand in a quick wave, he glanced around, making sure of the direction, and started off down the street.
Edward let out a sigh akin to a train whistle. “Ahhh, I’m glad that’s over,” he said, when it was obvious Tony was no longer in earshot. “C’mon. I’m starving. Al, where’s this diner?”
“This way.” Alphonse pointed in the opposite direction that Tony took, glad that they were going their separate ways.
* * *
The daisy was slender, with beautiful, perfect petals that almost seemed to glow in the dim lighting. He liked daisies; they were nearly his very favorite of all flowers. They seemed simple and common but they blended so well with others. They were the first blush of love, what with that simple, ‘loves me, loves me not’ refrain. Their petals seemed thin and delicate but withstood winds that other flowers couldn’t stand up to. And, perhaps best of all, they grew easily, almost anywhere. They brightened garden nooks and clustered well in jars. They weren’t as elegant as an orchid or as robust as a rose but they looked good, regardless.
He was particularly fond of the daisies he found while he wandered around Conway. He found them in such unusual places. They grew everywhere, in the alleys where the good folk didn’t dare go; in the gardens of the wealthy. It sometimes was a challenge, finding the perfect flower but his daisies never let him down. They always grew up, almost like weeds. Sometimes more than one presented itself to him, making his decisions more difficult. Still, he figured he shouldn’t be greedy. Daisies were almost plentiful enough that everyone could have them.
He just liked to make sure the best ones came to his garden.
* * *
Even the comfort of the bed didn’t distract Edward from his thoughts. They kept rolling around in his head, nagging at him. He wasn’t even sure he’d be able to sleep. Tony’s girlfriend, Anne; the way she just disappeared; it almost made him sick to think that something like that could happen to Winry.
“What’s wrong, Brother?”
Couldn’t sneak anything past Al. Well, not much, at least. Edward sighed, lacing his hands together to cradle his head. “Just thinking, Al.”
“About Winry?”
Dammit, why did Al have to be so perceptive? “Yeah.”
“What are you thinking about her?”
And why did he have to have that sly tone to his voice? Edward turned his head to glare at his little brother though the glower melted almost before Al noticed it. “Trying to decide if we should tell her about everything that happened after she left Central.”
Al’s, “Oh,” sounded even more hollow than normal and made Edward snort in response.
“I don’t want to, Al. I don’t want to scare her. But I can’t help thinking I ought to warn her, you know? She never asked for this but she’s caught up in it.” Edward sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. “But then I think, what if she hates us for getting her involved?”
“Brother,” Alphonse began, sounding stern, and Edward waved a hand in response.
“I know, that’s stupid. But I still think it, Al.” He sighed gustily. “I want to know if I should tell her about Ling and Ran Fan.” His mouth tipped down. “What if Greed catches up to her? He could take her to that…Father and who knows what could happen.” And Winry would trust Greed, too, because of Ling, and not knowing how dangerous things could be. “Gah!” Edward dug his flesh hand into his hair.
“Maybe we should tell her.” Alphonse still sounded unsure and Edward didn’t blame him. Winry would probably want to know why they hadn’t told her immediately. And how would she react, finding out she was a hostage? Edward dreaded saying anything but he thought if she didn’t know, it might be worse. Maybe this was why Colonel Bastard sent her the ticket, so he and Al could explain to Winry what was actually going on.
“…Dammit.”
“Don’t tear at your hair, Brother.”
“…just wish I knew what to do.” Edward let his hands fall between his knees, leaning his elbows on his thighs. He never wanted Winry to be involved in this. Never even thought that someone would make her a part of it. How stupid was that, on his part? The way he and Al protected her from Scar would have made tongues wag, especially after all his work trying to attract Scar’s attention in the first place. Even if Bradley hadn’t come to the police station and sat with Winry, Edward thought the Fuhrer would’ve heard of Winry somehow or another. He hated the idea of ‘fate’ but it almost seemed that Winry was destined to walk the razor’s edge with Al and him.
“Well, we have almost three more weeks, Brother. I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Alphonse got up. “I think I’ll do some studying in the main room. Good night.”
Murmuring some sort of reply, Edward flopped back down on the bed, covering his eyes with his arm. Maybe things would make sense in the morning. Maybe Al would have his body back then, too, as long as he was dreaming.
* * *