May 3rd, 1951

Alphonse was deeply lost in a good book on Cretan history when he heard a groan come from the direction of dining room table. He looked up and turned around. Will was at the table, staring down at a book and paper with an aggravated expression. "Is something wrong?" Al asked, marking his place and getting up.

Will looked up and shrugged. "Nothing a last meal and a gun to the head wouldn't fix," he replied more dramatically than usual. "This essay is driving me crazy."

"You're good at composition though," Al frowned slightly as he came over to the table and looked down. Will had a good half page written already. What was the problem?

"It's not the assignment," Will elaborated. "It's the material!" He smacked the open book with one hand. "The Drachman 'classic' Sin and Torment. I mean really it's a sin that it was written at all, and a torment to make us read it!"

Al rarely saw his son this frustrated. He chuckled slightly, even though he felt a lot of sympathy for him too. "I'm told it loses a lot of the humor in translation," he replied, having avoided reading the book himself. If he ever really wanted to, he would learn Drachman and read it in the original language.

"Not unless you find wallowing in misery funny," Will grumbled. "I have to write fifteen hundred words on the minor themes of the book and how they demonstrate the Drachman mindset during the period in which it was written by Friday."

So he had two days left. "When was this assigned?" Al asked.

"Monday," Will slid his chair back and stood up. "We just finished reading the book on Monday! I wrote the first two paragraphs Monday night and I've been stuck ever since. I'm getting a snack." He turned and headed for the kitchen. "Is there any apple pie left?"

Growing boys; Will was almost an inch taller than Al now. "Only if you left some the last time," Al replied, following him. "But Alyse made blackberry this afternoon at Gracia's." He had smelled them when she came home, and very studiously ignored them until the smell faded from the air.

"Even better," Will chuckled as he pulled one out. "You want a slice?"

Al had managed to avoid that temptation at dinner. It had been easier then, when he had filled up on steamed vegetables. "No thanks," he replied as Will grabbed a knife, a fork, and a small plate.

Will shrugged. "More for me." He served up one slice then put the pie back. "Maybe a little brain food will help me think this through. It's going to be a long couple of nights if I don't get this paper written." He walked past Al back to the table.

"Is it worth a lot of the grade?" Al asked, turning around.

Will nodded. "It's a quarter of our grade for the class. I wish we were doing it on Xing or Cretan literature, but no, it had to be this particular piece." He shook his head, sat down, and dug in. "If I want to keep an A I need to get an A on this paper. Maybe I'll call Riker and see if he has any ideas. "

Al silently wondered if Will would get any real help over at Riker's house. He knew that Riker also had a very pretty sister just a year younger than Will named Dianna who was in the astronomy club with his son. "What grade does Riker have in the class?" he asked with a knowing grin.

Will looked like he realized he'd been caught. "He's hoping to pull a B," he admitted between bites. "But Dianna told me she read it last year for fun. I'll take any help I can get at this point."

"Invite her over tomorrow night if you need study help," Al shrugged. "It's a little late to be going over there this evening, and it's threatening rain."

"It's been raining for weeks," Will grumbled. "It's always threatening more." But he didn't argue. Instead he finished his last bite and picked up his pen. "It's torture."

"At least it fits the mood of the text," Al replied, giving his son a pat on the shoulder. "Just relax a little. Your getting into University doesn't rest on the sole score of one essay."

"Tell that to my teacher," Will flipped open the book again to a page and started scanning it.

Al decided it was better to let him get down to business again and not interrupt. Will was an excellent student, and usually very patient. Most things came easily to him. This was the one class that stressed him out and it was usually the subject matter being discussed, not the ability to do the work, that gave him trouble. There were times when it was just best to let him work things out. When he got to University, he would have to deal with this kind of frustration there too. Even aside from his undoubtedly biased fatherly opinion, Al was sure Will would be very successful in that environment.

May 5th, 1951

"My turn!" Niam laughed, bouncing up onto Breda's back as Charisa tumbled off onto one of the couch cushions. Breda was on his hands and knees in the living room having a good rough-and-tumble with the kids, and loving every moment.

"That's what you think," he growled playfully, rolling over, and then regretting it a moment later when Niam landed full on into his stomach. With an oof Breda grabbed Niam and began tickling him. The little boy rolled off laughing immediately.

Charisa snatched a small throw pillow from the chair and it slammed into the side of her father's head as he sat up. "Gotcha!"

"A sneak attack from the flank?" Breda grinned at her as he let Niam go. "Clever girl! But not fast enough!"

She squealed as he grabbed her into a bear hug.

"All right everyone," Nancy laughed from the doorway. "That's enough. It's almost bedtime. How do you expect to get to sleep tonight?"

"We don't!" Niam piped up.

Breda let Charisa go, though not without some disappointment of his own. He was enjoying himself. But of course Nancy was right. "Let's call tonight's skirmish a stale-mate and start fresh in the morning," he smiled, hauling himself to his feet. "You both need baths before bed anyway."

Niam looked despondent, but Charisa hugged Breda warmly. "Yes, daddy. C'mon Niam," she grabbed her little brother's hand, taking charge of the situation as usual. "Let's go get ready."

Breda and Nancy followed them upstairs and within a half an hour both kids were cleaned, the bathroom floor mopped, and then Niam and Charisa were tucked into bed in their pajamas after a good bedtime story.

"We sure got lucky," Breda smiled at Nancy when he had closed the bedroom door behind them.

"We all did," Nancy stepped into the room and gave him a hug that he happily returned. Her arms slid around his midsection and she leaned against him briefly. He knew she meant the both of them and the kids. "You're so good with kids. I'm fortunate no one snatched you up while you were younger."

"Or thinner," Breda smirked self-depreciatingly.

"Is that possible?" Nancy teased, but gently as she always did. She had always had a calming effect on him and a soothing presence. He needed that. "I believe you once assured me that time never existed."

Breda chuckled. "I told the truth," he replied. At least, he certainly couldn't remember that time if it had ever been the case!

"Not quite," Nancy contradicted him, tilting her head so she could look him in the eyes. "You are now."

"I'll have to take your word for it," Breda shrugged. "For all I can tell I've just gotten used to being half dead! Ed's a slave driver." In truth, he could tell a difference, though that was a recent development. The biggest thing was that his knees complained less than they had for the past three years. Well that and the fact most of the uniforms in his closet now fit again.

"Oh I can tell," Nancy's voice got softer, with just a slightly sultry hint to it. "Either you're losing weight, or my arms are getting longer." She gave him a slight squeeze to make the point. "Fortunately for you, I find half-dead exhaustion decidedly attractive."

"I knew you had to be weird to fall in love with me." Breda pulled her close and they kissed warmly. It was a feeling Breda never grew tired of, no matter that they had been married for ten years. Really, every day – especially now with kids of their own – life was better than Breda could ever have imagined. With everything that had gone on lately, Breda couldn't imagine now how he'd have made it without his family.

May 6th, 1951

Riza just about had lunch finished and ready to go on the table when Roy and Maes entered the house through the front door. It felt good to hear both of them laughing. So much heartache had weighed down their family the last couple of years that having both of them in a good mood at once seemed like a real miracle. "So did you have fun trying to burn each other to ashes?" she asked with a quirked smile as they dropped down into chairs at the table.

"Absolutely," Roy smirked. "Though I think we can all rest well knowing that particular bit of forest outside of town will never threaten us again."

"Dad got carried away," Maes translated, chuckling.

"So what else is new?" Riza just shook her head and served up salad and bread.

For once, Maes had a reply that she wasn't expecting. "Well, I have a girlfriend."

Riza looked up so fast she almost hurt her neck. "You do?" Maes had barely mentioned girls ever since he had nearly ruined his reputation. He had told her after that had ended that he was swearing off girls for a while entirely.

"It's nothing serious," Maes assured her with a shrug and a smile as he picked up his fork and started eating. "Okay, so we've only been out on two dates. At least she agreed to see me more than once!"

"That's an improvement," Roy replied agreeably, looking inordinately pleased. Whether that was about Maes' new girlfriend or he was still reveling in the after-glow of blowing things up, Riza couldn't be entirely certain. This was Roy after all. Still, slightly manic or anything resembling actually happy these days was improvement over the depression that still overtook him from time to time.

"Speaking of improvement," Riza cut in briefly. "You didn't tell me how your appointment went this morning?" Roy had been at a mandatory session with one of the military counselors that morning, and a normal doctor's appointment, before hanging out with Maes and doing a little Flame-to-Firebrand Alchemist male bonding.

"Oh that," Roy shrugged, but his smile faded a little. He started in on his food. "Mostly the usual. I still have mood issues," he rolled his eyes, "But Gray seemed reasonably pleased." He didn't sound thrilled, but then he rarely did. Roy didn't like seeing doctors any more than anyone else, and he still wasn't used to seeing Doctor Gray all the time instead of Stevenson.

"And your vitals?" Riza fished for more information. The last report had been positive. Roy was definitely less stressed lately and his body had responded in kind; well over the pneumonia and everything seemed to be running better. His heart and lungs certainly sounded better according to Doctor Gray.

"I'm alive," Roy replied uncooperatively. "The only really good news is they won't raise a stink if I help out with some of the classroom lectures with the Alchemy program this summer and take that offer to do some guest lectures on military history and alchemy at the University this fall."

"Great," Maes grinned. "Just think, you can terrorize people in a whole new way."

"And without paperwork," Riza couldn't help throwing in.

At that, Roy grinned. "Exactly. Finally something enjoyable. Imagine, getting paid to badmouth my predecessor and talk about my favorite subjects to a captive audience."

"It's almost like they invented teaching just for you," Riza replied.

"If it allowed me to blow things up as well, it would be perfect." Roy didn't rise to the bait of her wry remark.

"You can if you help with the alchemy classes too," Maes pointed out. "Fullmetal will let you help with the alchemical combat classes too right? I can't imagine letting someone with your expertise in that area sit around doing nothing."

Roy looked up at him speculatively. "I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or an insult, Maes. What makes you think Edward has the authority to let me do anything? If I choose to join those classes and teach everyone a thing or two then I'll do it." He smirked. "If he wants to argue with me he can take me on again." He put a forkful in his mouth.

"You might want to work on conditioning more before you take on Ed again," Riza smiled. "The last thing you want to do is embarrass yourself."

"Shot in the foot by my own wife," Roy sighed. "What makes you think I can't take him, Riza?"

She shrugged matter-of-factly. "Walking the dogs is hardly high-impact exercise, Roy."

"Depends on how often they jump on you," Roy grumbled. Riza was just enjoying giving him a hard time. Roy was doing just what he was told to finally, even if it was mostly because Riza never left him alone; working back up slowly after spending weeks sick in bed. She had also completely emptied the cabinets of any alcoholic beverages and was even limiting his coffee intake. Roy grumbled and told her she was evil, but Riza just smiled. As long as he was getting better physically and mentally, that was what mattered. She could see the fire in his eyes again.

"If you were a better disciplinarian they might listen," Riza teased back. "They don't fear you the way your subordinates do."

"That's because threatening them with paperwork doesn't work," Maes laughed. "Really thought Dad, why complain? I thought you loved dogs."

"I do when they listen to me," Roy replied. "What good are dogs who don't listen?"
"Oh I don't know," Riza replied easily. "I keep you around."

At Roy's indignant look – he had food in his mouth and couldn't speak immediately without sputtering – Maes burst out laughing.

Roy swallowed. "If I want this kind of abuse I'll go over to Ed's."

"But why take the time when you can get quality ribbing in the peace and quiet of your own home?" Maes sniggered.

Roy shrugged and kept eating. "At least lately it's a nice change of pace."

Listening to the family banter around the table was like a sweet melody in Riza's ears.

May 11th, 1951

"You're in a good mood," Alphonse eyed his brother as Edward came into his office that morning whistling. "Should I be concerned?"

"Oh I was just pulling a few strings," Ed smirked. "Get ready to pack your bags. I managed to wrangle time off for you, me, Sara, and Elicia at the same time next month. I've arranged for the entire Elric clan to spend a few days and have a real family vacation."

Now that was a feat! "What did you have in mind," Al asked, his interest definitely piqued?

"A few days in Dublith," Ed replied, dropping into a chair. "The weather will be beautiful and we can hang out at the lake on the beach. I already talked to Sig about staying at the house. He said he's got room and we're more than welcome."

This was definitely sounding like a pleasant trip and after the past few months, a much needed respite. "That's a great idea," Al smiled. "I didn't know you were still in touch with Sig."

"Yeah, believe it or not I do sometimes write to people and keep in touch," Ed said.

"It's just funny, because I still write him too," Al admitted with a chuckle. "I did live with them for almost two years longer than you did. It will be great to spend some time in Dublith again." Then he had a thought. "This isn't just some scheme to get Winry in a swimsuit is it?" he asked speculatively.

"Is that a problem?" Ed asked, raising one eyebrow. "Or are you telling me you wouldn't like to get Elicia alone on the beach in something skin-tight?"

"Now I didn't say that!" Al waved his hands in the air, though he smiled at the image those words brought to mind. No sane man wouldn't want to see Elicia in a swimsuit!

"Good," Ed laughed. "You had me worried for a minute. I figure Winry can give herself time off without a problem, and it will be after school's out at the end of the term. It wouldn't be a long vacation with travel time, but then getting there and back is half the fun."

Stuffing their entire families on a train for several days would definitely be interesting. "Will Aldon and Cassandra be joining us?"

"Of course," Ed seemed rather smug. "Aldon, Cassie, and Coran are already confirmed. Aldon thought it was a great idea."

"How are they doing?" Al asked. It had been almost a year since they had moved down to Resembool.

"Loving life," Ed replied. "They had a great time at the Spring Sheep Festival. Coran's pretty much weaned, so Cassie's working in the village hospital more. Aldon's got a full workshop set up at the house and has plenty of work to keep him busy with repairs around the area as well as designing. But with him home it's easier for them to share the chores and taking care of the baby."

"You almost sound jealous," Al grinned knowingly.

"Those early years go by too fast," Ed admitted, smiling back at him. "And it's been hard not seeing Coran." Ed had really enjoyed having the young family living with them those first couple of months of Coran's life. He had gotten to spend a lot of time with his grandson and Al knew he had missed them a lot when they first moved out.

"So we can all catch up for a few days," Al replied, understanding. "Have you told anyone else yet?"

"Not yet," Ed shook his head. "I just got done getting the paperwork done and confirmed. Why?"

Al shrugged. "Does the whole clan include your daughter's new paramour?" He knew Ed was a little on edge about the direction Sara and Franz's relationship had recently taken. He didn't think Ed would do anything to disrupt that, but he couldn't entirely discount the possibility.

Ed frowned but shook his head. "Just family," he repeated firmly as if to make sure Al hadn't missed that fact. "I don't have anything against Heimler, Al, but he's not a member of the family."

"I'm not arguing," Al replied easily. "But I'm not sure how Sara's going to take that, you know?"

"Yeah," Ed nodded, sighing. "I get you. I think Sara will understand."

"I hope so." Al knew that Sara was usually level headed and understanding about most things. She was much better at controlling her emotions and moods than Ed was, but sometimes she was a little unpredictable when it came to unknown factors, like romantic interests. But then, that just made her normal. "I'll tell Alyse and Will tonight. I'm sure they'll both be thrilled. So will Elicia," he smiled. "She's been hinting at wanting to take a little time off and do something anyway now that the weather's nicer. At least in Dublith it shouldn't be pouring rain!"

"That's the hope," Ed laughed, standing up again. "I should get back to work. I've got the lecture this morning, but I wanted to let you know so you wouldn't be confused when the paperwork comes down."

"That would have been interesting," Al agreed as he watched his brother leave. He was looking forward to next month now as he got ready for the rest of the day. It had been a long time since there had been time to do anything as a family and have it mean all of them.

May 12th, 1951

Sara was definitely happy with the new arrangement in her life. The last couple of weeks had been two of the best ever. Or at least for consecutive days! Franz had relaxed after the first few days, when it became clear that her father had no intention of confronting them. He had been a little cool, but more along the lines of professional as opposed to cold or hostile. Sara hadn't expected Dad to be pleased but it wasn't really his business and she wasn't inclined to worry about him.

Franz was just what she had always hoped he would be. After knowing him for ten years, and all his little quirks and idiosyncrasies, she had never had a problem guessing what having him as a lover instead of just a friend would be like. It was nice to be right. Franz was the same attentive, level-headed man she had always had as a friend, but a more passionate side of him came out when there were no limits or rules of propriety that had kept them polite while they were "just friends." It was the part she had known was there, but only now had access to, giving her all of Franz and she loved it!

Despite the excitement of new romance, their relationship was still very much the same, and Franz certainly did not spend every night in her apartment. They still had lives to lead outside of just the two of them after all, and that required things like rest and some personal space.

Tonight was one of the mellower ones. They had eaten at the apartment and now Sara was enjoying resting, her head pillowed against Franz's thigh as he sat at one end of the couch with his legs propped up on her coffee table. Her body stretched out to take up the rest of the couch. She would have considered saying something more romantic or perhaps suggestive and moving things to her bed, but that would require moving. After a day of rather strenuous alchemical combat training sessions, and a pile of paperwork, moving just didn't seem worth it. "I still think Dad should have asked you to come too," she commented into the quiet, picking back up on a conversation that had been interrupted by dinner, dishes, and the book that Franz was currently reading.

"Leave it alone, Sara," Franz suggested calmly, though he sounded slightly amused. "This is supposed to be a family vacation. You said so yourself. I'm not part of the family, so I hardly expected to be invited."

"That's not the point," Sara tilted her head just slightly so she could look up at him without killing her neck. "You're not some random new guy or a stranger. You're practically family as it is. He could have invited you and no one would have minded." She sighed and shifted. "I have a mind to insist."

Franz set the book down, one finger marking his place, and looked down at her, the amusement replaced with a familiarly patient expression. "Don't all right? Please," he added, softening the rather firm tone of his statement. "Right now I'm just relieved that he's still civil to me. You have to admit he didn't exactly find out about us in a gentle way, and you're his daughter. If he wasn't a little protective I'd be even more worried."

"You're too sensible sometimes," Sara sighed, reaching back and poking his leg with one finger. "You take all the fun out of being righteously indignant."

"That's my job," Franz chuckled, his arm that was resting across her waist, just under her midriff, moved as he gave her a squeeze. "Sorry, Belle."

Sara couldn't even stay annoyed. The note of proprietary affection in the old nickname made her smile. "All right. I guess I can forgive you… this time."

June 16th, 1951

The train ride to Dublith was as chaotic and enjoyable as Edward had expected. He had reserved three berths for the family so they could fit everyone, and Aldon, Cassie and Coran joined them a couple of stops north of Dublith. It was late afternoon when they arrived at the familiar old town, and while Ed was sure he and Al, and perhaps even Winry, felt a strong whiff of nostalgia, the place was almost entirely new to most of the family. Ed and Al both had a great time pointing out old haunts and local sights as they walked through town and on down to Curtis' Meats. The sky was just starting to turn colors with the setting sun when they arrived. The lights were on inside, but there was a very familiar, very large, shape waiting for them.

Sig Curtis, aged as he was, was still a mountain of a man compared to any of the Elrics, and his expression as gruff on first appearance as it ever had been. But Ed knew how to read that face. It wasn't intimidating to him, but comforting, to find it so familiar despite the passage of time. After a moment, a small smile appeared on Sig's face. "Welcome home, boys." It was all he really needed to say.

Everyone piled inside and there were several moments of chaos as sleeping arrangements were determined and bedding set up while Sig finished preparing what turned out to be a huge meal for all of them. It looked like way too much food at first but Ed figured he shouldn't have been surprised when it turned out to be just the right amount that there was nothing left on the plates.

"Do you mind if we go explore the town a little?" Ethan asked eagerly after dinner, when none of the adults felt much like moving. "It's not too late yet." Alyse and Will were with him.

Ed glanced at Elicia and Al, then Winry, who nodded. "Go ahead. Just be back before nine all right?" That gave them a couple of hours to look around on their own and made the house temporarily a little less crowded! As it was the three teenagers were bunking out in the living room. Ed, Winry, Al and Elicia had one room, and Sara, Aldon, Cassie and the baby had the one other guest room.

"Great. Thanks!" Ethan grinned and the teens vacated.

"Quiet at last," Al chuckled, sitting on the couch next to Elicia. Winry was curled up next to Ed on the other couch, and Sig had the one large chair in the room. Sara had chosen to take the floor, sitting cross-legged. Aldon and Cassie were upstairs putting Coran to sleep which, apparently, took two parents at the moment.

"It won't last long," Sara chuckled. "Tomorrow they'll have a dozen places they want to go back to and drag the rest of us along."

"Is that so bad?" Winry asked, giving Ed an amused wink. "I thought that was half the fun of going anywhere new."

"That's just cause you're the one who enjoys the shopping," Ed rolled his eyes.

"Is that any way to talk to a lady, Edward?" Sig said sternly. When Ed glanced over at him though, there was a glint of amusement in the older man's eyes. Ed relaxed. While Izumi had always demanded good manners out of him and Al both, Sig had been a very strong force that no sane boy would mess with either!

Everyone else in the room snickered.

"Some things never change," Ed smiled. "So, Sig, I know we'll get a full report in a couple of hours on everything there is to see in town, but what's really changed? I mean, the place is definitely bigger, but other than that?"

"Not much," Sig let Ed's change of topic slide. The jibe had obviously been meant in good fun. "It's still a surprisingly peaceful place. Mason and his wife and kids live just around the corner, and he and the kids still help out around here."

"How many kids do they have?" Al asked curiously. Mason had always been great with kids, so Ed wasn't surprised to find out he had at least more than one!

"Six," Sig replied simply. "Four boys, two girls."

Ed whistled. "Someone's been busy!"

"The younger three are adopted," Sig continued then when the general sounds of surprise settled. "You'll meet them all tomorrow. He was glad to hear you were coming."

"It'll be great to see him," Ed nodded, looking forward to it. He had known actually that Mason had gotten married and had kids; he'd just never gotten an accurate number on how many. "Does anyone ever go out to the island anymore?"

Sig shook his head. "No more than usual. Mason and his kids go out there sometimes, but it's still pretty much abandoned wilderness. Rumors keep it that way."

"Rumors?" Elicia looked at Sig curiously.

Al grinned knowingly. "He means local ghost stories; Strange goings on on the island, weird wild men, that kind of thing."

"Gee I wonder who started those," Ed smirked. It was probably smart though.

Sig grunted non-committally. "It keeps curious kids from going out there and getting into trouble."

"Or making any," Sara interjected with a laugh. Ed did not comment. He knew what kind of trouble Sara meant. If he said anything he was going to sound old, old fashioned, or like he was picking a fight with his daughter; none of which were his intention or preference.

They didn't talk too late. Everyone was tired from traveling and looking forward to the few days of real vacation they would have. They wanted to get enough sleep to enjoy it! About the time the teens returned everyone adjourned upstairs. Ed was not surprised to find upon glancing into the other room that – after getting Coran to sleep finally – Aldon and Cassie had already snuggled up and passed out in their own bed. He remembered those days with a mixture of fond longing and a little relief that they were over.

It was nice to curl up in the familiar house – as much a home in some ways, he felt now, as the house in Resembool. He had lived here for a time, and been loved almost like a son. Sig had been the closest thing to a father Ed had known in his childhood that he could remember, and he liked feeling welcome. Ed wrapped his arms around Winry as they settled down to bed and spent the night in a deep, restful sleep.

June 17th, 1951

The next day was spent in preparation for the third day of their trip, which meant that Winry and Elicia insisted on heading up a cadre of shoppers and heading into town. Cassie and Alyse joined them immediately. None of the men seemed inclined to go since they were highly suspicious that a lot of the day would be spend looking at clothing and-or auto-mail parts or tools of some sort. Instead, after having lunch with Mason and his family, Ed and Al took Sara, Ethan, and Will out to Yock Island to look around. Aldon stayed behind to chat with Mason; the two striking up a pretty instant liking for each other, and Aldon had a lot in common with a couple of Mason's sons as well.

Yock Island hadn't changed much, just as Sig had said. They trudged all over it for a little while, sticking mostly to the edges.

"It's so peaceful," Sara sniffed in the air and smiled as a breeze blew past them. "And so clean and empty. So you really lived here for a month. It doesn't seem so bad."

"Well it was pretty terrifying the first time," Al admitted, grinning as they walked along the beach. "We've told you the stories."

"Yeah," Will nodded. "It's hard to imagine Mason being the terrifying guy behind the mask though."

"Well it's true," Ed snorted, "Though it was years before we found that out. But there's a lot of history here, even though we didn't really spend that long in the grand scheme of things either time." He paused, looking into the brush. "This is the first place, right here," he pointed, "that we first saw Wrath."

"That's right," Al nodded, remembering. "The stone circle where Izumi did the transmutation is just through those trees," he added softly.

"Let's go see it," Sara suggested, taking the lead without waiting for anyone else.

Ed looked at Al, who shrugged and followed. It didn't take them long to reach the circle. It was still there, more water-and-wind worn with time perhaps, but very much the way Ed remembered it. Even the split in the ground that Izumi had made during their fight with Wrath was still there. No one had ever used alchemy to repair it. If Izumi had left it, Ed was not inclined to change a thing. Let it stand as a reminder for generations to come.

"Now that's something," Sara finally said softly after several breathless moments. Will nodded. "It looks like there was a real fight here."

Without meaning to, Ed and Al spoke in quiet unison. "There was." That was another story they had told their children before.

"So there's still nothing living here but foxes?" Ethan asked as they walked back towards the beach.

"And mice," Ed chuckled. "Nope, just a few small wild animals." It was funny, even the sound of the wind in the trees was familiar. Of course, after a month living under those leaves, he guessed the sound would probably never really fade from his memory. "And for a brief time, two stubborn boys determined to be alchemists."

June 18th, 1951

"What a beautiful day!" Alyse exclaimed, grinning broadly as they all stood on the edge of the sand, looking out at the unspoiled beach along the lake. "This is perfect."

"I have to admit, I can't argue," Sara chuckled as she dropped the beach blankets in the shade of the tree line.

This was definitely going to be a good day. At least for the moment, the beach was deserted except for the Elrics. Ed doubted it would remain that way, but it was the middle of the week, so most people would be working today and it shouldn't be overly crowded.

"Let's get set up first," Elicia suggested sensibly as she set down the large hamper that held the picnic lunch that had been prepared not long ago. They would be doing a much more thorough cook-out for dinner – which Ed had insisted Sig join them for when he got off work – but for now, that would do.

It really only took a few minutes to 'set up camp.' Alyse and Cassie laid out the blankets while Will and Ethan handled the miscellaneous items like the beach ball and a flying disc they had scrounged up, a wireless radio that Will immediately turned on, and a couple of shade umbrellas for the blankets that wouldn't fit under the trees. Winry and Elicia handled – and guarded – the food. Aldon had been tasked by his wife with all the items necessary for the baby and the baby! Coran seemed quite pleased with that arrangement, cooing and looking around eagerly. As soon as he was put down on the blankets he started crawling eagerly for the shore line, only to be scooped up by his mother.

"He's definitely an Elric," Winry laughed. "He can't wait to get into trouble can he?"

"Not at all," Cassie chuckled as she hugged her son and set him back down. He began to crawl away again.

"Allow me," Ed smiled as he stepped forward, clapped his hands together, and then dropped to the ground along the edge of the sand. Using the more solid earth available he easily transmuted a pen that rose up out of the sand –just bars with a top railing – around his grandson.

Coran's little eyes went wide as he watched the pen form, then he crawled tentatively up to the bars and shoved. They didn't move. He screwed up his little face, looking rather annoyed at having been thwarted.

"That should hold him," Aldon laughed. "Nice work, Dad."

"Well don't sound surprised," Ed smirked. "The three of you were pretty creative at times too. Especially Ethan," he glanced over at his youngest son, who was helping Alyse set up a net that they had borrowed from Mason's family. "He could climb anything."

"Yeah, I just dismantled things," Aldon chuckled.

"And doesn't he sound proud of himself," Winry replied as she stood. "I'm going to get changed and enjoy the water while the weather is nice!" She headed for the little cloth changing huts that were set up a little ways down the beach for general use. Elicia followed her.

"What do you want to do first, Brother?" Al asked curiously. It wasn't like the guys needed to do anything other than pull off their shirts to be perfectly ready to swim. They had all worn their swim trunks in place of shorts. Ed's were – unsurprisingly – red, and Al's were dark green. Girls!

"I think a little lounging around indolently is in order," Ed smirked, "Don't you?"

"This is a vacation," Al chuckled, and Ed pulled out a couple of bottles of pop and they both sprawled out on one of the blankets.

Ed was happy just to watch for a while. With Coran safely penned up and distracted by toys – and with Ed and Al right there to keep an eye on him – Aldon and Cassie took advantage of their freedom and walked down the beach, Aldon's arm around his wife's waist. Ed was glad to see them both looking relaxed and happy. Those earlier years in a relationship could be trying, especially with small children.

Alyse and Ethan had finished setting up the net and they, along with Sara and Will, were playing a rather athletic game of volleyball, boys versus girls. Personally, Ed's bet was on the girls. Sara – in a bathing suit that looked almost regulation military given it was an unadorned dark blue one-piece – was too well trained now to be anything less than great at almost anything that required precision movements, jumping, dodging… she was a natural.

Alyse, for all that she wasn't anywhere near as heavily trained as the others, simply proved to be a natural at the game. Though she had dared to wear a peach and white two-piece that Ed suspected his brother found mildly nerve-wracking. He knew that Al wasn't entirely ready for his baby girl to grow up, but Ed could see already that it definitely already too late. At fourteen, Alyse was proving to be as much of a beauty as Elicia, but with a look that reminded Ed startlingly of his mother from some angles. Yes, definitely a beauty.

The boys weren't putting in a bad showing by any imagination, but Alyse and Sara seemed more determined to win, and they were putting more into it. Will and Ethan played, but they goofed around a little more and, Ed had to admit, it looked an awful lot like watching versions of him and Alphonse play. Will definitely had Al's look and build, and Ethan looked even more like Ed with every passing day. His hair was still growing out, but it was just long enough now to braid back, which just enhanced the image.

"Hey Ed, look at that."

Ed looked up from watching the kids to see what Al was talking about, and stopped dead still. Winry had stepped out of the small changing tent. She was wearing nothing but a solid black bikini that clung nicely to his favorite curves. The wind caught her hair, which blew out behind her like a golden wave, gleaming silky soft in the sunlight.

Ed swallowed a mouthful of saliva. "You know Al, we missed out on a few things as teenagers didn't we? I don't think I've ever picked up a hot chick on the beach. Have you?"

Elicia stepped out a moment later in a sky-blue suit that was a single piece, but strapless, and with a very simple ruffle around the bottom designed to be flirty.

"Not yet," Al laughed. "But I definitely think we should remedy that."

As Aldon and Cassie returned to keep an eye on their son, Ed stood up, still watching the two women as they walked down to the shore line, laughing together and looking out at the lake. When Al joined him, Ed sauntered on over. "Hello ladies," he flashed them his most confident, slightly cocky grin as they approached. "Can we get you a soda?"

Winry glanced over at him with a momentary look of surprise, and then realization seemed to dawn on her face. "Oh I don't know," she replied, sounding immediately doubtful. "How do we know you're cool enough to hang out with us?"

"Don't be too hasty. They're pretty cute," Elicia cut in, deliberately eyeing Alphonse. The girls were playing too.

Winry looked them both up and down. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"I like the tall one," Elicia added, giving Al a flirtatious wink.

"No fair," Winry rolled her eyes. "So you'd leave me with short stuff?"

"Hey!" Ed felt his temper flare briefly, though he almost laughed himself. Obviously Winry had picked up on what he and Al had been contemplating.

Winry gave Ed one more cursory look then giggled. "Well he is pretty hot. Okay sure. You boys can get us drinks. But only if you'll carry our stuff." She held out her towel with a rather commanding flip and it dropped to the sand.

Ed smirked. "Oh sure, princess, whatever you say." As he crouched down to pick it up, he slid his hands across each other. In moments, a surge of water roared up out of the lake and doused Winry, who shrieked as the cold water soaked her at once!
"I'll get you for that!" Winry laughed, shoving him as he stood so he stumbled back towards the waves.

"Only if you can catch me first," Ed laughed, willingly heading further out into the water.

Within moments, all four of them were involved in a massive water fight.

"Is anyone else even mildly embarrassed that those are our parents?" Sara asked as she watched her parents and aunt and uncle frolicking in the water. They had been at it for nearly half an hour.

"Oh I don't know," Aldon chuckled from where he sat nearby, one arm around Cassie as she leaned against his side. Coran was sitting on the blanket in front of them, content to hold still finally after crawling in circles for almost an hour all told in his pen. "I think it's kind of reassuring. After all, if they're that sickeningly cute after all this time, there's hope for anyone."

"I think they're adorable," Alyse agreed with a giggle. She was sitting at the other side of Sara, hugging her knees.

Sara smiled. "You do have a point." Her parents had been married for over twenty-five years, and even though they often disagreed and dickered about things, they were still obviously in love. "We should all be that lucky."

She could almost hear the slight smirk in Aldon's voice. "Speaking of which, I should be congratulating you on finally getting together with your soldier boy shouldn't I?"

Sara leaned back and looked over her shoulder at her brother. Yes, he was definitely smirking. "That would be nice. Who told you?"

"I get most of my news from Dad," Aldon shrugged. "I think you really caught him off guard with that though."

"What did he say?" Sara asked suspiciously. He had actually said very little to her on the subject.

"Almost nothing," Aldon replied as Coran crawled over to his father's leg, tried to climb it, and was easily thwarted as Aldon raised it up about two inches. Coran tipped over on his side, the blinked sleepily and apparently decided to just lie there. "That's the thing."

"When Dad knows how he feels, he says so," Ethan nodded. He was sprawled out on his stomach on the blanket on the other side of Alyse, between her and Will. "It's probably the way he found out more than anything."

"On that," Aldon nodded.

Sara ignored the feeling that the tips of her ears were turning pink as her little brothers chatted about her love life! "Dad's a grown man, he can handle it. If not, well it's none of his business anyway."

"How did he find out?" Alyse asked with an innocently curious expression. Apparently there was at least one family member who had not heard the story.

It was Will who enlightened his little sister with a wicked grin. "He walked in on them."

Sara watched her cousin's expression shift from confusion to realization to wide-eyed amazement as Alyse looked from her brother back to Sara. "You were…" she squeaked, but the rest of the sentence never made it out of her mouth.

Oh, great. "Stop horrifying your sister," Sara glared at Will. "We weren't at the time Dad showed up," she clarified for Alyse, though she knew it wouldn't make a difference. Her cousin wasn't naïve, but she was an innocent and a proper little lady in most ways. As she had expected, that answer did not make Alyse look any less surprised.

Sara leaned back further and lay down, tucking her hands behind her head. "Dad gets jumpy about the strangest things. I never pegged him for the conservative type."

"I think it's not so much a matter of right and wrong with him the way it is with some people," Ethan said contemplatively. "I mean, he was in love with Mom and she with him and they waited for each other even though there was no reason to think they'd ever see each other again. But he sees it more logically you know? Common sense and consequences, weighing the balance like with everything else. That and after what Grandpa did, leaving a family behind; he takes this stuff seriously because it's personal too."

"When did you get so smart?" Aldon looked over at his little brother.

Ethan shrugged. "We think a lot alike, and it's like alchemy. If you think about it in the terms of alchemy, you can almost always figure out Dad." He looked back at Sara then. "I think Dad likes Franz all right. He doesn't object to who you're dating at all."

"Just how."

"Okay, Aldon, enough of pick on Sara time okay?" Sara glared at her brother.

"Sorry, Sis," Aldon chuckled. "But after the flack you gave us did you expect to get off without a little ribbing?"

Sara noticed that Cassie had the good grace to remain silent, though she was smiling as well. "Yeah well, some of us can be careful," she retorted. At the point the family had found out about Aldon and Cassie's more intimate activities, they were engaged – or married - and Cassie was pregnant. Sara had no intention of finding herself in that same situation! "I'm surprised Coran doesn't have any new siblings on the way yet."

"Well if Aldon had things his way…" Cassie laughed, leaving the unnecessary rest of the sentence hanging.

It was Aldon's turn to blush. "What can I say," he recovered quickly, grinning. "My wife is irresistible."

When everyone was tired out from playing around and good and hungry, they broke into the picnic lunch: sandwiches and potato salad, with water, lemonade and sodas. It was simple, but they had been sure to make a lot of everything and no one went hungry.

"You want to join us for a game, Dad?" Ethan asked Ed after lunch, holding up the flying disc. Will and Alyse were with him. Sara had wandered off down the beach.

Ed shook his head. "No thanks," he grinned. "I was just thinking this looked like a nice spot to take a nap." He looked over at Aldon and Cassie. "But I'll watch Coran if you two want to play."

The young parents definitely looked willing. "Thanks Dad," Aldon grinned as he handed off the drowsy baby. "You're sure about this?"

Ed eagerly took his Grandson. Coran had been looking sleepy all through lunch and, now that he was fed, he dropped off almost immediately on Ed's shoulder. "Oh yeah. I've been looking forward to more time with this little guy."

"I'll play," Alphonse grinned, getting up and going off to join the kids.

"Mom? Aunt Elicia?" Ethan looked over at the women.

"Sure," Elicia bounced up. "I'm game! Come on, Winry. What's the use of buying these suits if we're not going to show off a little?"

Winry laughed and flashed Ed a grin as she headed off. "All right. Let's go!"

Ed watched them go. Well, he could at least enjoy the show! He settled back down on the blanket, dropping easily down into a cross-legged position without waking the sleeping boy on his shoulder. "Looks like it's just you and me, little guy," he smiled softly. Of course, that was the idea! Ed lay down on his back, settling his grandson across his chest the same way he used to lie down with Aldon. Coran wriggled a moment then stretched out on his stomach, his face turned so it rested on his left cheek.

As always, watching sleeping infants made Ed feel warm inside. He had always felt strongly about protecting others, but especially innocents. While he wouldn't have admitted it in so many words when he was younger, Ed had a real soft spot for kids. His heart belonged to his family, and he felt the same strong connection with his grandson as he had with his own children. Coran was another young life, full of promise, and Ed loved the chance to spend any time he could with the boy.

Ed relaxed on the warm blanket, enjoying the heat of the day but resting in the shade. The last thing he wanted was for his auto-mail to heat up in direct sunlight while he slept. So he lay still, watching the others play for a while. He didn't know where Sara had gone earlier, but she eventually wandered over and joined the others. Mostly, Ed enjoyed watching Winry dart across the sand, laughing and as enthusiastic and competitive as any of the younger generation; as vibrant as she had always been and definitely attractive! He was one lucky guy he thought as he drifted off to sleep.

"Well aren't you too cute?" Winry's voice woke Ed from sleep a little while later. He wasn't sure how late it was, but the sun had moved quite a bit. He opened his eyes to find Winry sitting next to him on the blanket. "You used to sleep with Aldon like that."

Ed smiled up at her. "It seemed natural, and he obviously likes it."

"I'll say," Aldon grinned. "He never naps this long. Three hours!"

"That means he'll be awake and starving soon," Cassie chuckled. "Let me take him." She reached out and gently removed the infant from Ed's chest. Coran stirred a little as he was transferred to his mother's arms, then his little eyes blinked open and he looked around.

Ed felt a moment of pleased satisfaction as the boy caught sight of him and looked at him hopefully. "Gaaapa!" Coran giggled.

"I think he likes you, Dad," Aldon beamed. "The only people he usually calls "by name" are Cassie and I." Of course Aldon meant 'mama' and 'daddy.'

Ed chuckled. "I'm honored. So, have I missed anything exciting?"

"Not really," Ethan said as he dropped down on the blankets panting. "The girls kicked our butts with the flying disc, and then in another game of volleyball too."

"Well I'm sorry I missed that," Ed grinned over at Winry. He would have liked to have seen her in action a little more. "We may have to have a rematch later and I'll show you guys how to win a battle." He smirked.

"We were outnumbered," Al pointed out as he got a drink of water. "But I'm sure we'd all like a chance to hand your head to you a few times too."

"But if someone sits out to watch Coran, the teams will still be uneven," Winry objected.

"And probably in the other direction," Aldon glanced over to Cassie, who had settled down on the ground and was spoon feeding Coran who, now awake, was as voracious as expected.

Sara looked around at the guys. "So, anyone too tired to continue?" From her smirk, Ed expected she was implying that all the boys should just give up now!

"I'll watch him," a gruff voice commented from behind them.

Ed turned around and spotted Sig coming up with a hand-cart full of supplies for grilling and the food for tonight's feast. "You're sure?" he asked.

Sig nodded. "He'll be easy to watch while I'm cooking." It would take a couple of hours for everything to be ready.

"All right," Aldon looked a little dazed, but not displeased. Ed wondered if his son and his wife ever took time for themselves without their son. He was beginning to think they probably didn't.

Cassie finished feeding Coran and everyone who had been running around for hours finished their drinks. Then they headed back out onto the sand for another game of volley ball – the girls got to choose the game – with a freshly rested Edward.

Ed had never actually played the game before, but Alyse – who apparently played at school regularly – explained the rules. It was not complicated. Tossing him into the mix definitely made a difference! Even though most everyone was a little tired from the last few games, no one was exhausted. The guys actually won the first game, though it was close. The girls won the second. No one considered quitting before they had a tie breaker!

It was a vicious match that ended when Aldon missed diving for a ball that Sara spiked hard down over the net, ending up with a face full of sand.

"Nice game," Alyse smiled. "Are you sure you've never played Uncle Ed?"

Ed shook his head. "There's a first time for everything. That was actually fun."

"Well don't sound surprised," Winry rolled her eyes. "There are plenty of things out there that are enjoyable besides alchemy and beating up on other people."

"Oh I know that," Ed winked suggestively at her. "Watching you in that thing all day, it's rather hard to forget." He had the satisfaction of watching his wife blush amidst a mix of laughter, whistles, and cat calls from the rest of the family.

By the time they all walked back over to where Sig had set up, the smell of cooking meat wafted across the beach: steak, fish, and sausages. That wasn't the only thing grilling though. Ed could definitely pick out the smell of herbed vegetables on the grill. It was a good thing Sig made plenty, because by now everyone was starving.

Though that did not last long. Within a half an hour the food was ready and everyone had eaten their fill. Sprawled out on the ground in various positions of repose, they watched the sun as it set, casting the sky in a rainbow of hues.

The sun dipped below the horizon and the stars came out over the lake. It was a cloudless night, and the moon was so bright that everything was washed in a blue-white glow. Ed leaned against the trunk of a tree, sipping his drink and admiring the peace and beauty around them. He didn't feel like standing still though. There were a lot of things that should be done under the moonlight, and he wasn't going to waste the opportunity.

"Hey beautiful," Ed walked over to Winry and looked down, holding out a hand. "Would you like to take a walk on the beach with me?"

Winry stopped talking to Cassie and looked up at him. She smiled softly and took his hand. "I'd like that."

Together they headed away from the group, walking down the beach along the lake shore. The small waves stopped just short of their feet. Despite the loveliness of their surroundings, Ed only had eyes for his wife.

"What are you looking at?" Winry chuckled, looking up from the view to catch him staring.

Ed shrugged easily. "This ethereal being that seems to have descended from the moon to grace me with her presence."

Winry blushed again in obvious pleasure. "Why weren't you this romantic when you were sixteen?"

"I was too terrified that you'd hit me with something," Ed chuckled, keeping his left arm comfortably around Winry's shoulders. "And I didn't know what I was missing."

"This was a wonderful idea you had," Winry leaned her head against his shoulder without missing a step. "I wish we could get away more often."

Ed could hear the wistfulness in her voice, and he knew that what she really meant was that they could spend more time together, and more time as a family. The world had always conspired to keep them busy. "Are you happy, Winry?" He asked the question before he even realized he was thinking it.

She stopped walking then and met his gaze without hesitation, her expression tender. "I am," she replied softly. "With life, with what I've accomplished, with our family… and especially with you."

Ed shifted to put both arms around her. "Then, would you like to spend the rest of it with me?"

Winry paused, surprised, and then gave him a questioning look of mild disbelief. "Edward, are you proposing?"

"Hey," Ed grinned lopsidedly as he leaned in to kiss her, "Better late than never right?" At least now she could stop claiming he'd never asked!

For a moment he wasn't sure if Winry was going to cry or laugh in his face. After a moment though, she giggled as they kissed. "Then I accept… with all my heart."