::The soft voices of my friends echoes in my mind and invaded my dreams and I slowly opened my eyes to a brightly lit room. i groaned, rolling over to face Edward, my back to the harsh morning light. I let out a long sigh and my lips slowly became a smile.
"good morning sunshine." I said to him. The sunlight on his blond hair made him more angelic than usual. I just wanted to run my fingers though his gold hair, but I thought best not to. I blinked and lifted my head, sliding my arm under the pillow to get a better view of him.
"Why are you not in the bed we paid for??" I mumbled. He looked so cute all curled in a ball on the chair but I'm sure he would have preferred a bed.
I was glad the intese pain from the night before was gone. I had a slight headache, but it was probably fgrom the sun in my eyes as we slept. I stretched out my legs as I still lay on my side, my knees both cracked and I let out a moan, as if I knew it was going to happen.
"Mhhmm...Nice..." I said under my breath. I lifted a heavy hand to Alphonse who was sitting at the foot of the chair Ed was in, and just waved tiredly to him.::

Edward smiled from his perch, glad to see that Shiba looked better than she had.
"I couldn't sleep...I just kinda passed out here." He stood, his knees groaning in protest sending tingles down through his right leg and into his foot, he sighed, his foot fell asleep, along with the rest of him.
"How are you this morning? Everything accounted for? All ten fingers? Ten toes? Sanity?" He chuckled and moved to the basin beside his bed and splashed his face with the water there.
Alphonse waved back silently, like Edward, he was relieved to see Shiba awake and as close to herself as they thought she could get after all that she'd been through.

[BUY YOUR HEADPHONES YOU RICH BASTARD!! XD]
::I sat up, my jacket got unbuttoned through the night, but I didn't care. I was still in my bra underneath and my blanket slid off me. I rubbed my eyes and yawned big.
"Well I hope youre not too tired to pose for me today..." I stretched up my arms and puffed out my chest, cracking my back.
"Everything is accounted for, except my normal garb.. But I could always paint in my underwear if you like" I teased, winking at him.
I watched him beside my bed as he watched is face, i couldn't stop smiling.
I was wondering if Al would be there while I painted him... then I wondered if he'd ever seen his brother nude... most likley...but I'm sure Ed didn't want him there... I yawned again, covering my lap with the light blanket, I sat Indian style in the warm bed. I glanced at my watch, it was 11 am.::

((But now that I've seen them on other people...I'm not so sure that I want them anymore...they're kinda wonky...0.o don't hurt meeee! XDDD))


He smiled and shook his head.
"Not at all. I'm glad that you're doing better, you had us worried last night." He cracked his elbows and worked his numb foot around so that it was useable and then turned to Al.
"I know, I know." His younger brother sighed with a wave.
"I'll go tell Shiba's teachers that she'll be out because she's sick...that shouldn't be too hard...provided I don't see any Military." Given the events of yesterday, Al was sure that the town would be crawling with them..he was surprised that their room hadn't been raided.
"Just be careful."
"I will Big Brother, don't worry."

[XD then buy them for me LOL j/k I wanted to buy the Chinese dress but i couldnt find it in the shops... x.x']
::I smiled, and nodded "Im glad youre alright then." I looked to Al and smiled.
"Thanks so much...I'd appreciate that." I watched him walk out, shutting the door quietly behind him and i stood, my jacket flung open and I stretched upwards, standing on my tiptoes, my bare, beaten up automail foot visible. I groaned then looked around for my bag and pulled out my hair bush and sat down back on the bed beside the chair.
"So... we're alone now" I grinned, teasing him as usual. I tilted my head to the side and brushed my hair carefully, closing my eyes. It was knottier than usual and I hissed as I got though some knots::

((Should be in the Menewshan Imports shop, next to the Ruby Bells...hmmm....must go shopping after this =3))

He slid back into the chair as Al left and nodded.
"So we are." He leaned his chin on his fist and studied Shiba as she fussed over her hair.
"You don't mind that we took the liberty of keeping you out today do you? It's just that you look as though you still need some rest." He crossed his legs and leaned back into the chair, settling into a more natural position.
"So," He said with a smirk.
"What horrid torture are you going to put me through for the sake of art?" He chuckled looking over at the blank canvas.

[XDD have fun shopping ^-^ I did... well what I could afford anyhow LOLz]
::I blushed and looked to him as he leaned forward to watch. I was kind of surprized he was so calm..he usually got flustered when I said things like that to him...but he didn't...
"What is it?" i stopped brushing my hair and sat back, still looking to him.
I shook my head "No it's alright.. I'm kinda glad someone cares about me alot... I'm usually alone, so If I'm sick I go into school anyway...usually end up staying in the nurses office all day." I smiled at him.
I watched him closely as he sat back, and I leaned forward again and continued to brush my hair.
"Edward...You don't have to do this you know...modeling shouldn't be referred to as 'torture' it takes alot of work and discipline to do it. I appreciate the offer though, but I can always find another guy to do it." I nodded. I stopped brushing my hair and tied it back in a ponytail and pulled out my hair from the brush and looked to him.
"Wanna brush yours?" I held out the brush, smiling nervously::

Edward shook his head.
"It's nothing." He frowned and a twitch formed under his eye.
"You shouldn't go to school when you're sick Shiba, it's common sense." For everyone but Edward, he'd done the same thing numerous times...and always ended up sicker than he started. He smiled and shook his head again.
"I made you a promise, besides, I didn't mean it like that, I guess i'm just trying to lighten the mood.." He sighed and pointed to the window, curtains half drawn.
"Al was right, Military guards have been moving all over the place since yesterday...they've checked most places, but since my name isn't on the ledger I guess they passed up their check here." He looked at the brush and then back to Shiba. Then chuckled and ran a hand over the loose hairs that stuck out over his head and smiled.
"I told you, it's too much trouble to do my own hair."

::I sighed and brought my legs under myself, so I was somewhat kneeling on the bed.
"Well, it's better to be in the nurses office than the wilderness... when I'm alone, I don't bother to pay for hotels, I just stay outside." i nodded.
I sighed, bringing my hand to my lap.
"Well, If I'm going to be painting you, id like your hair to look nice... so I'll do it then.. come up here."
I patted the bed, and slid back, still on my knees.
"Im not sure yet if I want your hair down or what in my painting.. maybe a simple ponytail? What do you think? im thinking maybe the hair brought away from your body, so I can get the detail of your automail and shoulders...I'll havta look you over when we're ready and see what I'm working with..." I nodded.::
[what is he wearing right at this moment? his jacket? gloves? barefoot?]

He relinquished his argument with a sigh. Then blinked a few times before moving to the bedside, his face a light pink.
"You...You really don't have to..." He muttered under his breath.
He nodded silently and folded his hands in his lap.

Al looked around the corner as two guards passed by, he was too close to be caught now...he sighed, being nothing but a hunk of Armor was, at times, a huge problem, he couldn't blend into the crowds, and he was certainly memorable...no doubt most of the guards had his face memorized by now.
He ducked out into the street and dodged by people making his way to Shiba's school. He figured that he should probably stay away for as long as he possibly could, but the quicker he got back to the hotel, the better for the three of them.
((No jacket, gloves, and he left his boots on.))

::I smiled and pulled the hair tie from his braid and put it around my wrist. I ran my fingers though the loops, my fingers getting caught in a few knots.
"When was the last time you brushed you hair, Ed? Really well?" I ran my fingers from the front of his neck and to the back, bringing all the stray blond strands to the main bundle of hair. I run the brush from the top of his head to the tail of his hair- it was about as long as mine, if not longer. I smiled..it was silky.
"You know, Ed, I don't mind doing this you know... Ive always loved when my mother brushed my hair when I was little... so since noone does it to me, i'd like you to feel the same way I did..." I closed my eyes halfway and brushed his hair softly, running my hand over it after each stroke of the brush.
"I hope Al is alright... youre right... the military is crawling today..." I glanced out the window::

Edward shrugged and cocked his head in thought.
"....Maybe last month?" He laughed and kicked off his shoes to curl his knees to his chest. He lay his chin on them and sighed.
"I bet you miss her...don't you?" He knew that he and Alphonse did...he just assumed that it was normal for a child to miss their parent. He nodded silently, wondering if Al was alright.

"Have a good day."
"Thank you." Alphonse walked back out the way he came, getting odd looks from the students out on the campus lawn, and started back the way he came, he'd let Shiba's teachers know why she wasn't there, and now that that was over, he felt a great deal lighter, he could focus on staying out of sight and getting back to the hotel...he just hoped that Edward and Shiba were still there...after all..there were no gurantees.

::I yanked a knot out and placed my hand on the hairline on the back of his neck and paused, pressing my forehead to the back of his head. I closed my eyes.
"I do...miss her... I miss the closeness I had with her... but I guess I just miss closeness altogether... just...brushing your hair like this makes me feel so calm and at ease with myself. Just the feeling of a warm hand on my shoulder once in a while... a caring friend is nice... but I know I can't get used to this closeness with you... You and Al need to move on before you guys get caught.. its only a matter of time." I took a deep breath, a few of his strands danced on my face. I slide my face downwards and snuggled my face into the back of his neck, his hair draping over my skin.
"Im...sorry... just tell me if you feel uncomfortable... I feel..like I need you... but I know you won't stay." I whispered. I draped my arms around his neck and i sighed, and kept my head pressed against his back, I looked down at the bed.::

He winced and stifled a grunt against the pain, leaning his own head back against hers.
"I'm sorry." Was all that he could manage after a long pause.
He'd almost forgotten what it was like to need someone's company...he supposed it was because he'd always had Al, but Shiba......she was a diffrent case. He nodded slowly and felt his stomach sink...she was right...it was only a matter of time before Mustang decided to pay a visit.
"That's alright." He said laying his hands over hers.
"I'll be here for a while."

::After pulling in a deep sigh, i pulled back and brushed his hair, upwards and tied it into a high ponytail. I pulled my hands from his...the warmth of his body near mine was almost overwhelming. I ran my hand over his head to smooth out his gold hair, I wiped the dampness from my eyes on my coat and I cleared my throat, hiding my eyes from him, I slide off the bed from behind him and took off my coat, being only in my bra and panties. I sighed and knelt on the floor in front of my bag and stood, tieing a painters apron on.
"I... I'll try not to get so attached to you... I already am, but I need to.. get disconnected from you... I know you'll leave..soon. I have a feeling. And the more.. Im attached to you, the more pain I'll feel when youre gone.." I mumbled.
"Last time I'm asking..are you sure about this Ed? Please don't feel obligated.." I put my hands on my hips, standing with my weight on one foot before him.

He said nothing to Shiba as she pulled away, it left him feeling just a little empty, but he knew she was right, he was going to have to leave..and that meant he had to stop feeling so attached to her as well.
With a nod he smiled.
"I'm sure, I'm not obligated I know..but it's really the least I could do for all the trouble that I've put you through." He stood and removed his gloves flexing his hands.
"Just tell me what you want me to do."

::I quirked an eyebrow and moved to the bedside, pushing it under the window with all my might to make a clearing in the room.
"I'm the one putting you through the trouble.. because of you, Mustang is gonna have your head..." I sighed, running my hand over my head. I pulled up a stool that was near the window and placed it in the center of the room. I blushed, walking up to the window and closing the blinds. It was dimly lit in the room; only the light shone from outside under the crack of the blinds and under the door.
"Get...comfortable... if you know what I mean... and Ill get the lights ready.." I figured he'd feel better stripping under the cloak of darkness. I unpacked my pop-up easel and set it up, and brought the side table to the left side of the easel, setting up the paints and brushes. I hauled the ready canvas to the easel and walked to my bag again, grabbing the spot lamps.
"Ill see what I can do about your pose once I have the lights up and I can..see how I can pose you to hide your 'details'" I blushed, standing up again, holding the unplugged light in my hand. Only his outline was visible.

His back was struck heavily as he flew to the ground, whipping a stare around his blue shoulder he growled, and held his snap and smiled, somewhat evilly.
"Elric... Nice to see you... I've been looking all over for you and your brother... where is he? I need to have a word with him.." He ran his gloved hand though his sleek black hair and looked up at the towering armor in the middle of a crowded street.

He smiled, laying his chin on his hand as he sat back on the matress.
"Maybe."
He nodded, his face burning as he removed his shirt. This was going to get awkward...

Alphonse had tried to be careful..he really had...but then he'd freaked when he was almost seen by a few guards, and then...to run into him..
"This just isn't my day....Colonel." He bowed and apologized quickly.
"E-Ed? I..I haven't seen him lately...uh you know how he gets at times, he just picked up and ran off without telling me anything."

::I Shifted to the wall and fumbled to find an open socket. Finally finding one, I pushed the plug in and set the lamp up beside my easel, keeping it turned off. I spoke softly.
"Do..you want me to wait until youre undressed to put the light on..? I don't want to make you feel weired... and I hope this doesnt change our friendship at all... If it'll be of an equality, you can paint me naked if you want...or I'll paint while I'm naked.." I joked, letting out a laugh, blushing and moved to easel, sitting briefly on the stool. I then stood again and walked to my bag, pulling out my other spot lamp and moving to the side of the bed. I was at his feet, looking on the wall for another socket closer to where he was going to sit. His automail arm glinted in the light.

He waved cooly.
"Why am I having a hard time believeing that, Alphonse?" He folded his arms and leaned on one foot, slipping out a yawn and he looked to his gloved hand.
"Don't make me...force it out of you, little Elric..." he sent a glaring stare up to the empty eyes and grinned.
"You two are always together...now tell me..." his voice grew stern as he got impatient.::

"Don't worry about it..." He said, smirk eveident by the tone of his voice.
"I'm done." He was, and sitting back on the mattress, leg crossed over the other to preserve what modesty he still had, his chin propped on his automail hand.

Gulp
...Double gulp Alphonse could tell when the Colonel's voice got that edge to it, he was in trouble...time to play it cool....while playing with 'Matches'.
"I don't know why you're having a hard time Colonel...I'm serious, he told me to head out here, then took off like a shot." Okay...so it wasn't all the truth...but it wasn't all a lie either....Al retained his moral standing.
"But..I really should be trying to find him..so uh...Good Luck!" With that he took off, heading back into the city, hoping that the Colonel wasn't right on his tail.

::I hefted myself to my feet and walked towards the stool I had placed in the center of the room for him to sit on and I stood the lamp up and flicked on the light. The chair was empty and I looked around, finding him on the bed, nude. I blushed...he was in a rather awkward pose on the bed... and on the bed none the less...it was like an invitation and I blushed, trying not to be rude I kept my eyes locked with his, then I quickly looked to the floor.
"Uhm..alright.. I..wanted to paint you sitting up here... or do you feel better there, on the bed?" The light wasn't facing him, but the left half of the room had the spotlight on it. I ran my hand through my hair, turning away from him. This is gonna be more awkward than I thought...
I shook my head and threw my jacket on him, turning out the light.
"I..I can't do this..." I kneeled on the floor, red as can be. And to think HE was the one posing...
"I...just can't paint you...I need to find another model..." My heart was racing.

Roy let out a sigh and crossed his arms and shook his head."Oh boy...not cat and mouse again..."He closed his eyes and sat down on a nearby bench to plan out his next move to find Edward.::
[GAWD I HATE THESE COLOR CODING I NEVER GET IT RIGHT! FORGET ROY BEING GREEN! YOU know im talking about him when i talk about him in 3rd person (i think...where im not referring him to "I"

Edward chuckled and took her coat to wrap around his waist as he moved to the stool.
"Now what point was there for me to go through all that trouble if you're going to quit on me?" He sat down in the same position and tossed the coat back to her.
"Here if it helps, I won't look while you work." He smiled, face still red as his own coat.

Alphonse paused beside a building and looked behind him.
Good...the Colonel isn't following...but if he's after Ed..maybe I should lead him around for a while..give Shiba and Ed the time that they need. He grinned to himself and took stock of how many chalk peices he had left...after all..he couldn't clap his hands like Ed did.

::I blushed as he plopped down on the chair. I grew stern, standing up and threw my coat on him, the room still dark, my back(still undies and bra, front covered by apron) still faced to him.
"I...can't look at you like this... let alone paint. I.. I shouldn't have made you do this...you may not want to face me..but one of the points of the painting was to have your face in it..." I sighed and took off my apron, plopping down on he bed.
"Please..just get dressed... I can't paint you." My voice was soft... I regretted having seen him like I just did and I groaned, angry with myself.

Mustang quirked an eyebrow, and glanced to his right, seeing Alphonse's head over the crowd. He smiled and stood, and began to walk calmly towards him, almost striding.
His fingers were ready to snap at any moment...he waited, walking on though the bustling town square::

With a sigh, he nodded and moved to a point where he was hidden from Shiba's veiw and dressed.
"There." He said with a sigh as he moved back out into the open, adjusting his gloves over his automail.
"You know...you're going to become even more sick if you stay in just your underwear." He felt empty..like he'd just broken a promise to Al, but..if it was going to cause Shiba more trouble..it wasn't worth it.

Alphonse nodded to himself as he finished the last circle, with a flash and puff, there stood a 'Ed' dummy...not as good as Edward himself could have made it..but in the midst of a stampedeing crowd, who could tell the diffrence. With a sudden : 'That guy's got a bomb' the streets were filled with scrambling and shrieking people, he ducked into an alley and awaited the chaos to die down..Mustang must have had his hands full Alphonse thought with a laugh.

::I sighed, keeping my eyes to my hands in my lap as he dressed behind me. I sighed...his words echoed though my head.
"I'm..not sick...it was the fusion..." I stood and yanked off the apron, throwing it to the floor. I quickly dressed and threw on my jacket. He had no interest in me... I let out a tch and shrugged under the cloak of darkness in the room.
"Ill be back in a little bit... I expect the room to be empty when I return with a model. Thanks...again for the offer.." I sighed and opened the door; the harsh hallway light lit up the dark room.

Roy let out a small laugh as the crowd scrambled...he knew Al's voice when he heard it and he laughed as the street became a ghost town.
He grinned, seeing the back of Ed's jacket from about 6 yard away.
"So Edward...wanna explain why you let a Homonculus escape the prison?" He posed, pressing his middle finger and thumb firmly together. He awaited an answer and yelled.
"ANSWER ME FULLMETAL!" He snapped, sending a flash of fire behind Ed; he didn't move, or even flinch. He relaxed his muscles and stood straight.
"VERY good Alphonse... shouldv'e known It wasn't really him..this one's too tall..." he growled, snapping even louder and sent the dummy Ed into the sky with an explosion.
"Don't toy with me... you know you can't win..." he began his walk forward once again, cooly.::