Edward jerked his head back and forth between where his brother had gone and where Shiba lay.
"Wai--Wha--I--I--" He lay his head on the table and groaned.
"What am I missing here?" He turned to look over at the shoulder that he could see proturding over the edge and sighed.
"Yes, I've known her forever, but it's because of that, that I look at her like a sister, Me, Al and Winry all grew up together...Granny Pinako was like a grandmother to us, after...after what happened with Mom...she took us to raise..so...so.." He couldn't finish..not that he really could say anything, Edward sighed and rolled his head to one side, resting his cheek on the wood.
"Love sucks..." He muttered.

I blushed and sat up, and leaned my elbows on the table and looked down at his head laying on the table.
"Sister huh? I doubt she sees you as a brother, Edward..." I sighed.
"Love does suck... it only ends up right about 25% of the time. The rest.. you just end up sad and alone. I think I'll be in that category" I laughed then rested my head in my palm, gazing wearily out the door, which was left open.
"I bet you cant wait to spend real time with Alphonse, huh? Now you two can be together, like you used to! Bathing together, in no fear of his blood seal, and eat together... it.. must be nice to have someone there for you all the time." I closed my eyes.

"Meh, you got that right....Piggy bank..I swear that's all I am to that girl." He sighed and nodded.
"I suppose that I'll be right there with you...Love can't be a one way street you know?" He picked his head up off the table and placed it back, putting all his weight on his chin, so that he had to talk through his teeth.
"I 'spose so..." He chuckled.
"You know...I never thought that I'd actually get Al back....I always had a fear in the back of my mind that he was going to be stuck in that armor forever. And now....it's odd....I'll have to get used to him like this."

I poked his forehead, looking down at his gold eyes.
"C'mon now, you know what I mean. Doesn't she ever look at you like this?" I folded my hands and gave him the look of an angel, and lust all in one, then went back to my hand on my palm, lifting my eyebrows at him.
I shook my head at his response.
"Youre talking nonsense, I think lack of sleep and all this alchemy and excitement is rushing to your head. You have a Colonel to report back to when he summons you again, or if Scar shows up. Youre still on a leash, it was just loosened a little.." I sighed and closed my eyes.
I smiled, keeping my eyes closed.
"I'm glad you got him back, and you got your arm and leg back. It's like a dream come true... your mother is looking out over you.. with Kiri at her side... and maybe my mom too.." my voice shook and I looked away.
"I miss Kiri... being in the bath alone sucks... noone to laugh with and wash your back..." I spoke silently when I spoke of her, kind of out of respect.
"She may not have been human, but she was the closest thing to family I ever had in a long time. I'm..really gonna miss her."

"You're kidding right?" He snorted.
"The only look I get from her is:" He made a face and waved an imaginary wrench.
"Don't go breaking my automail! or, KYYAA!!! What do you mean it 'got broke'?" He stopped and smiled widely.
"But that's the best thing, now that we're back...I don't need the Military anymore! I needed the authority that my position as a State Alchemist gave me to find the Philospher's Stone, but..I don't need it anymore, I can resign." He reached across the table and covered Shiba's hand with his own, marvelling at how warm it felt.
"I'm sure that they're all there." He sighed.
"No...Human..she wasn't...but I think...she'd want you to be happy...cherish the good times..." He looked out at the hot spring remembering how he'd burst in on the two girls.
"After all...that's what memories are for...so taht those you love can live on..even after they're gone."

I looked to his faces he made and snickered. I never saw him so silly... and light hearted. It made me feel warmer for some reason.
My eyes widened and I lifted my head up, looking at him with suprize.
"Y-youre resigning?? But.. what about the Colonel, and what will the two of you do for money??" I looked down at his right hand and smiled, looking back up into his eyes, I lifted my thumb to cover his, my palm was flat on the table.

I let out a long sigh and looked out the door, at the sunrise. The light was creeping up slowly on us as we sat in the room.
"I hope...there is a place after death... I'm..afraid of dieing...because it is the unknown... i can only hope... its a place far better than this one."
I nodded.
"Ill always remember Kiri... but the memories of my mother and father are blurry... I only have an old photo..." I got up and pulled my bag over to the table, plopping down on the pillow, and pulled out a very worn envelope and sifted though it, filing through a few large bills and some old notes and found the photo, handing it to him. It was wrinkled, worn, and a white and sepia tone. It showed my mother, father and me, at the age of 3 smiling as big as can be. We were all so happy.

"Mustang knew why I joined...and what I would do as soon as my own objectives were met...besides, I'm sure my tour-of-duty ended long ago. He'll just have to deal without having me around." He thought a moment and smiled.
"We still have our alchemy. That's useful, and if not we can always settle down somewhere and get real.." He shuddered with a grin.
"Jobs."
"There's something..." His eyes grew distant and narrowed.
"I don't know if it's what some call Heaven or Hell..but it's there.." Edward looked down at the picture and cocked his head.
"You all look really happy there."

I nodded.
"Im relieved that the Colonel will understand. And Alchemy rules, thats how I get by." I smiled at him, sticking out my tongue.
I saw the change in his stare and lifted my head up a bit.
"W-what is it, Edward?" I cocked my head to the side and laid my hand over his gently. The sun was now on his back, and in my eyes. I groaned and lowered my eyebrows to block the light, but it was of no use.
I looked to the photo and sighed.
"That...was true happiness back then. After their death... I've been alone... and i didn't remember what happiness was until I met Kiri, you and Alphonse." I sent him a warm smile then it faded.
"it all comes to an end sooner or later though."

((Gomen last one 'Night))

He jerked upright and shook his head.
"N-Nothing..it's nothing.." Lie. It'd been well over five years since the incident in Resembool...but it still rang over and over in his mind...that bright place, with only that dark portal ahead...nothing behind...and that grinning face....he shuddered and smiled, shaking off the feeling of his skin crawiling.
"I guess that's why people are always trying to do as much as they can...for as long as they can...because life has an end...even...what seems to be an immortal life." He shook his head again and looked around trying to change the subject.
"Wonder what's taking Al so long...surely he didn't forget about us?"

[gwwaaaarrr!!!! *bites her kneecaps off* Youre always leaving me early!!! *ish emo*]
I shrugged it off and shifted, so that his shadow was blocking the light in my face.
I took the photo back form him, kissed it softly and slipped it into the envelope again. I shoved the envelope back into my back pack and folded my hands on the table.
"Maybe he's doing this on purpose... he knows how dense you can be, as do I." I winked at him and looked to the right.
I shrugged. "Oh well, can't say I didn't try.. now that Al is human, he's fair game right?" I grinned at him.

((You did that on purpose X3 Since I don't need my kneecaps to Rp. XDDDD))

"I'm not dense." He said with a pout.
"Not that I know of." He got a twitch in his eyebrow as his lips curled into an odd grin.
"Just out of the armor and you want his blood?" He chuckled and shook his head.
"I suppose he is...if you want to look at it that way." He looked over his shoulder back to the door.
"But not for much longer if he isn't back here soon."

[XD you know it. Oh and check out the first page, I updated some pics, and I added an art to the gallery post., Oh and is Al's hair long, like in the movie, or short, like when he was a kid?]
I flicked his nose playfully, smiling wide at him.
"Yes you are. Youre more of a blond than you think." I winked at him Yawned, and leaned back on my hands again.
"But he's so cute, I can barely resist! He.. looks just like you, but he's not as dense..."
I stretched up my amrs and looked out the open door into the sun.
"It's..beautiful today..."

((X3 Roy looks so angry X33 6.6 Hmm...good question..Umm...short. so that you can tell him and Ed apart XD))

"Arblahgashalugunah!" Edward again twitched and flailed about rubbing his nose, then rolling it around his face, there was always that blasted feeling of something on the end. He smiled and rested his head on the table again,
"Yeah, yeah, so Al's the brain here..." He chuckled and nodded. It was beautiful...and after last night...it looked even better.

[XD im bad at drawing Roy XD his hotness can't be redrawn. Short it is ^-^
sorry im taking long to respond, im in web design and im doing my best to pay attention and get the help i need while in here. tutoring went well yesterday and im getting the hand of it, slowly.]
I laughed at Ed's odd response and stuck my tongue out at him.
"Jeeze where is he? Maybe he wants something to happen between us... or he's having issues finding enough food for all of us." I chuckled and stood, and walked to the door, my kimono undone a little.
"You know if it weren't for Al, you'd be insane or dead. But I'm sure he says the same abut you too." i leaned against the door frame and watched the water flow from the lions mouth. I crossed my arms and closed my eyes. The sun felt so warm on my exposed skin.

((See!? I told you, you could do it! *Cosplays Ed again and waves fans around* No need to worry, I'm having to work as well...gotta get my poster done.))

"I have no clue...there are times I think he's as scheming as the Water Sprite." He nodded..though he'd never admit it, Shiba was right. He wouldn't have been able to come this far if it wern't for Alphonse.

Alphonse smiled right outside the door...it seemed like things were going well between them, and at least now Shiba didn't sound as mad at Edward as she had been.
Well, He thought.
I guess now would be a good time to see what I can find by way of food...if I wait too much longer they'll get suspicious. He chuckled and snuk away from the door, moving farther down the hall, acting as if nothing had happened.

[^-^ thanks for your support.. I dont know what id do without you *glomps Ed cosplayer* we better extensive RP at 11-ish thats mah lunch XD]
I laughed, looking down at him.
"They were together alone alot, when we were left alone. They schemed together... he learned alot from her. And who knows what they talked about when we were away from them..."
I let out a long sigh and walked towards the door.
"I think I'll go look for him, unless you think I should stay here, and tell him we made out while he was gone?" I laughed and looked to him, blushing.
"I'm sure he'd be glad to hear his disappearance wasn't in vain." I then thought for a moment..
"Or do you think he'd get jealous..?"

((You'd be all Uber sad and QQ..oh wait...that'd be me...X3 I can extensive Rp at 11 but I'll have to go at 11:30 I stil have to finish my paper that's due, and grab some lunch while I'm at it, we're meeting for our Colab-poster and I do NOT want to get as sick as I did yesterday while keeping everyone in line.
'Maman why is everyone always picking on me!?'))

"Meh, I should have guessed they'd have been in it together. Frankly, I'd be too scared to ask what they talked about." He groaned, then smirked to himself looking out over the outdoor area and then jerked around to face her.
"You think that's what he had in mind?! Little jerk!" He laughed and rose to stretch.
"If Al had all that in mind, and trust me, he knows what he's getting into...or at least he should. Then if he was going to get jealous, he wouldn't have left you in here alone with me." He lolled his head to one side as he stretched his arms above his head and smirked, eyes falling halfway.
"That could be a very dangerous situation if he wants to make his move on you."

[ aww will u be back on today at all?? Im stuck in this prison til 320 Q.Q NO GETTING SICK!!! You need a laptop, then u can rp while you eat, like me LOL]

I laughed and looked to him, I sat back down on the pillow across from him.
"I'd have to agree on that... who knows... what they were planning for us..."
I thought for a moment, watching him rise and nodded in agreement.
"Well, maybe he knows... more than I'd really want him to know.. I told Kiri alot of my secrets.. and maybe she..told him.." I blushed and covered my face.
"Kiri...I sure hope not..." I muttered.
I sighed and looked to him.
"Maybe he thinks if we never get far, he'll have a chance." I giggled.
"He's adorable but I don't think I could ever feel that way towards him like I do-" I cut myself off and looked away, clearing my throat. I pushed my glasses up my nose and yawned again, keeping my eyes averted from his.
I flashed my blue eyes to him quickly, looking at him sideways.
"W-what do you mean dangerous? What would you care?" I kind of blushed, and waited for his response, looking up at him as he still stood across the table.

((Not before 9, no..Gomen. XDD I know right! But then again...I think the school's wireless sucks...you can only get it in certain places.))

He shook his head.
"I doubt that, she seemed the type to hear something and never speak of it again." Edward chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, widing them around working the kinks out of them, wriggling his fingers as he did so. He laughed quietly, it was odd not to still feel the metal against his other hand, but he didn't care.
He laughed openly then, seeing the surprise on Shiba's face.
I mean it's not a good idea to leave you alone with me for any length of time, I'd care..." He smiled and crossed over to sit by her side.
"Because I care about you."

((XDDD!!! I found my music for the moment!!))

[ull be on at 9? Dont you have your.. meeting tonight?]

I groaned and looked to the ceiling, as If I were looking to the heavens for her answer.
"I donno.. Her and Alphonse seemed really tight-knit..." I watched him with his new arm, and smiled. It was getting hot in the room and I opened my kimono a little bit.
"Aren't you hot in that yukata? Its so long, and navy blue.." Its long pants and sleeves covered him, he did look cozy, and adorable in something other than his normal clothing.
My face turnt bright red as he moved to sit by my side, I moved away from him a little, my heart raced.
"W-well of course you care about me, so does Alphonse... I know you both care about me... you care about Alphonse too.. so It's nothing new or special to me..." My eyes raced back and fourth and I pointed to the other pillow, where he sat before.
"Uhm, there's a perfectly good pillow over there..."

((Oh that's right, see where my brain is? Already been to the Youth House and back again, you're right, I'll be on probably about 10 then. XDD LOL Shiba's getting a little freaked out isn't she? XDDD))

"Not really, Al's the pengiun, I have to have heat to survive, anything other than seventy-five degrees and I freeze."
He shook his head smiling, as strands of wheat colored hair moved to cover one of his soft, smiling eyes.
"That's not the kind of 'caring' I meant." He turned to look over at the pillow and nodded, adjusting his postion so that he was sitting on his knees, hands positioned perfectly on his thighs.
"I know...but do you really want me to go just yet?" He smiled innocently, as if he had no idea about what he was saying, or the implications thereof.

[XD well he's acting all "lovey" all of a sudden, like he was jealous of Al... XD all protective all of a sudden.. and since ur getting back late u better stay on longer tonight XD]

"oh, I get hot easily, I hate being hot.." I fanned myself, opening my top a little more. I wasn't wearing a shirt or bra underneath my top. More cleavage showed, and I didn't really care.
I gave him a look, lowering one eyebrow to him.
"Then what kind of 'caring' do you mean by that? Oh I see.. it's because I'm not related, so you care about Al more because he's related to you." I folded my arms and nodded, so sure that's what he meant.
"Friend caring and sibling caring is different."
I looked down at his sitting position as he adjusted; he looked so adorable sitting like that; he'd never sat like that before, that i could remember, Maybe because of his automail leg before, it was uncomfortable to sit on.
"Youre not really 'going' anywhere Edward..." I slid off my knees, sitting kind of lopsided as he got so close.
"Just...over there.." A bead of sweat ran down the side of my face, it was red from being flustered and hot at the same time.

((XDD I know. I couldn't help it, after all, Al and Kiri spent so much time trying to get them like this it's about time he picked up on it! I might stay on til 11:30 or so, but I can't make promises. Gomen. Oh this is my last one for now, almost 11:30. OMGEES!! Everyone I know is a frickin' PENGUIN!! I HATE THE COLD!))

"Ah, I see." He didn't really say anything else, but just kept on smiling....that same....odd...smile...like he was up to something.
"Wrong again Shiba." He cocked his head playfully and chuckled.
"Siblings and friends are different, but...I think friends who happen to be the opposite gender...are even more so." He wasn't doing anything..and to those on the outside, everything looked normal...but Edward smiled, finally realizing what that blasted Water Sprite and his brother were up to.
Alright, alright I get it you two... He blinked and brushed his hand over the sweatdrop that ran down Shiba's face.
"Geeze, Shiba, you're burning up, are you alright?"

[ I know XD now I can draw lovey pics of them two <3 Okay ill look for u tonight <3]

I gave him a look as he grinned my way, my heart raced even more so. He did seem up to something, by the way he looked at me.
"Opposite genders? Would that include Winry?" I sat down on the floor, so the pillow was between us, I sat on my knees and placed my hands on my thighs too.
My face turnt even more red as he touched my face and I flinched, moving my head away from his hand.
"Uhm, yeah, it's just really hot in here... you think they have a pool? Or something? Or maybe we can control the temperature of the water in the spring? I have a bathing suit, I've held on to it for a while, but never used it...I'm just.. so hot.. whew.." I stood quickly and pulled off my ribbon-belt and dropped it to the floor, so my kimono was open, my back faced him as I opened it up, flapping it.
"If the spring water doesn't get cold, I may just take a cold shower or something... this is ridiculous.." I walked to the door and slid it shut, blocking the sun from entering the room, and maybe it'd help with the temperature.

((OMGGEESSS!! Computer is being such a pain! Spent last half hour trying to get online!))

"Why would it? I told you she's like a sibling." He smirked and chuckled to himself as she blushed.
"You're acting really flustered." He quirked an eyebrow and cocked his head in her direction.
"Aw, now why'd you go and do a thing like that? Outside is so pretty." He pouted and moved behind her, moving her hands to wrap her kimono back around her.
"I can't explain it.." He muttered laying his chino n her shoulder.
"I really can't...but...I think....I might be...just maybe....falling in Love."

((And here all the WinryXEd paring fangirls come chasing after me with torches and pitchforks! XDD))