"We find Roy." Lori began to search finally coming to an alley way panting from running the whole time.

Gemini nodded and followed, looking everywhere. By the time they got to the alleyway, there were burn marks all over the walls and Ed was there, screaming at Roy. Gemini felt sick. "Oh my God..."

"What did you do!?" Lori advanced on Roy eye's blazing. "I know your upset but you..."she fell silent at the sight of the body.

Roy turned to Lori, a warning look on his face. "We'll talk about this later." He told her.

Lori growled but held her tongue once the police had cleared everything up she grabbed Roys arm and threw him into a empty alley. "Explain!"

"I did a little digging and pulled a few strings. Maria is safe and on her way out of here, but you can't tell anyone. For her own safety, everyone has to think she's dead."

Lori stared and then slapped him with all her might. "You idiot! Why didn't you say something before? I could have helped."

Roy held his cheek, not looking upset at all. "It had to look good, Lori. I couldn't involve too many people, and I needed you to be mad at me for it. Telling you wasn't an option- if it was I would have done it." He told her.

"Damn right I'm mad! I'm even angrier that you don't think I could be trusted not to let anything show."Lori growled. " I've been playing this game longer then you Colonial Mustang."

"The problem had nothing to do with you, Lori!" Roy said, starting to get frustrated. "I know perfectly well how good you are at hiding things. But we're up against something that could potentially find the information anyway. If I told you, you would have been in danger. Listen." He grabbed her arms and made her look at him. "I think Hughes was killed because he knew too much. I will not let the same thing happen to you, do you understand? Not even if it makes you hate me."

Lori blinked then slowly understood. "This is about the..." She glanced around and whispered. "Philosopher Stone isn't it?" She grimaced a little. "You know I'm going to get involved...unless you plan on using Riza."

A quick look of guilt flashed across Roy's face. "Yes, that's what this was about. And yes, I was going to use Riza." He felt like a horrible person, knowing that he would put Riza in danger in order to protect Lori. "I just couldn't let you be in danger."

Meanwhile, Gemini had made her way, dazed, over to where the brothers were still standing. She still felt sick, and confused and angry. Looking up at Al, then over at Ed- she still had to look up a bit to see him- she burst into tears.

Ed blinked and then held her to him while Al patted her gentle on the shoulder wishing he could express his sadness.

Lori stared at Roy for a second then her face went blank. "Use Riza then I know how much history you two have." she had always been jealous of Riza especially since Roy had spent so much time with her when he was learning from her father. "I'll see you tomorrow at work." she turned and started to walk away.

Roy grabbed Lori's hand, stopping her. "Lori, you're not listening! Stop being jealous for a second, will you? I am trying to protect you. I decided to use Riza because I'd rather lose her than you." He hated himself for saying it. What kind of monster chose one life over another? "I chose you, Lori. I told you that last night, remember?"

Gemini sobbed until she couldn't cry anymore, then pulled away and wiped her eyes. "Sorry." She said. "I probably look like a baby. I won't cry anymore."

"It's fine." Ed said looking awkward. "Just..." he looked away. "I'm no good at girl things or dealing with them."

"Yeah I remember." Lori rolled her eyes. "You said it so you wouldn't have to feel bad when you told me you thought I couldn't handle myself." she pulled her hand away. "Both of us can handle ourselves Roy. I'm not going to die if you get me involved and even if I did it would not be your fault."

"I was never trying to assuage my own guilt, Lori. I said it because I love you!" Roy argued angrily. "Of course I know you can handle yourself, that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying to protect you!"

"Neither am I." Gemini said, smiling a tiny bit. "I'll try not to let you guys see that kind of thing again. I don't usually...do that, anyway."

"No it's fine just don't expect much from us when you cry." Ed rubbed the back of his neck.

"I don't need you to protect me Roy!" Lori cried frustrated she let out an annoyed breath. "Fine I'm not going to argue." she took a calming breath. "I'll sit in my tower watching the world go by." she grumbled. "If you need my help you know where I am."

Gemini nodded. "I won't. My dad never knew what to do, either. I think that's just how boys are." She said.

Roy was silent, a strange expression on his face. He had just realized what he had said. I said it because I love you!
Because I love you
I love you
I love Lori...
The realization hit him like a brick, hard enough to make him gasp.

"I guess so the only boys I know are my brother and Roy." Ed snorted.

"You alright Roy?" Lori blinked thinking about what he had said. "You know I love you to right?" she smiled squeezing his hand gentle.

"That's about as many as I know, too. Well, that and my dad, but he's gone, so..." Gemini shrugged awkwardly. "Hey...where did Miss Lori go?"

Roy opened his mouth, then closed it. He smiled at Lori. "I'm sorry. When I imagined saying those words, it was always more...romantic. I never expected to shout them in an argument. You deserve better than that." He said, looking down at her hand. "I love you." He said it like he was testing the words. "I love you, Lori."

"It was the perfect moment." Lori smiled. "I love you Roy." She kissed him gentle.

"No idea." Ed blinked. "Roy's gone as well." He frowned.

Though he was slightly surprised by the kiss, Roy certainly didn't resist it. He kissed her back carefully, as if he were afraid the moment might break.

Gemini frowned. "If both of them are missing at the same time..." She snorted. "They're either arguing or kissing."

"Or both." Riza appeared with a smirk. "Come on you three it's not safe out here." She knew Scar was still out there and both Ed and Gemini where state alchemists.

Lori slowly pulled away and smiled at him. "We sure make a pair." She chuckled. "At least when we argue we can make out I mean make up." She blushed

Roy laughed. "At least we'll never get bored with each other." He said. "I'm sorry for being overprotective. I know how strong you are...it's part of what I love about you. I guess I'm just not used to...I don't know how to deal with this emotion yet."

Gemini nodded and followed hesitantly. She was still worried about Lori, but she figured Lori was a grown-up and could handle herself. Besides, someone had to go feed the kitten.

"We can figure it out together." Lori smirked. "I don't know about not getting bored with each other. I'll get jealous of Riza if you spend to much time with her." She added that part as a warning.