Unadulterated (RoyEd)

One Night Stand

The next morning. My head is pounding. I guess I had too much to drink last night. I didn't think I went that overboard. I open my eyes. This isn't my room. I look over to see someone else sleeping in the bed with me. I then realize I never went home.

"Shit!" I exclaimed as I try to scramble to my feet out of the bed, only to have myself fall flat on my ass on the ground. I groan and rub at my bare ass. Bare. I'm naked. That's right. I had sex last night. That explains everything. Huh. My first time.

The woman in bed woke up upon hearing all the noise I was making. I give her a quick apology, get dressed then leave the house. Al is gonna be pissed at me. I told him I'd be back later that night and it's the next morning. I hope to god I don't have any marks or anything. God I had too much to drink.

I arrive back at home, trying to sneak in quietly, but was not successful, as Al was in the kitchen making breakfast. He turned to me, visibly upset.

"Brother where were you?! You said you'd be back later that night!" He shouted, not helping with my already aching head.

"Will you quiet it down, Al? I didn't think I'd be back here until the morning. I lost track of time, alright? All that matters is that I'm back. So quit your worrying." He looked more pissed than before.

"How can I not worry with you?! I keep getting you back then losing you! I can't just stop worrying! Why can't you just settle down for once? Stay at home and relax. You don't have to be up and about all the time."

"I've told you before, I hate just sitting around doing nothing. I get restless. I've been like that since the beginning." I explained, then sighed. "I've had enough, I'm gonna go to my room." I say as I leave. I hear him call out to me, but I ignore him.

I plop down into my bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Settle down? How exactly can I do that?" I sigh and find myself falling asleep. I wake up to my brother knocking on my door. I sit up to look at him.

"Brother. Could you run down to Gracia's flower shop? It's about time we pay Heiderich a visit." He said. Heiderich. I missed seeing him around. He'd been keeping me busy all those years with his rocket work. Maybe that's what I need to do. Find a new hobby to keep me busy. Later, though. For now I have to get to the flower shop.

"What about you? Aren't you coming along?" I ask.

"I'll wait at the cemetery until you get there. Just to keep him company until you come by." I nod and get out of bed, grabbing my coat then heading down there.

I see Gracia there at the shop, making some floral arrangements. I've always admired Gracia. She really did make a great mom and wife. I'd love to have a spouse who's as sweet and caring as her. Hughes. That's right. Hughes has been telling me they've been getting closer. Maybe I'll ask how they've been getting along. I walk into the shop, waving at Gracia.

"Morning, Gracia." I greet, giving her a friendly smile, in which she returns one to me.

"Good morning Edward. How are you today? Getting those for Alfons?" She asked, pointing to the white flowers in my hand.

"Oh. Yeah. Al thought it was about time we visit him and pay our respects. So he asked me to pick up some flowers for him while he waited for me there." I explained to her, handing her the flowers so I could pay for them while she treats them. I pay her the right amount then grab them once more.

"That's good to hear you still see him." She said.

"Of course. I honestly miss having his company, but I guess Al helps make it less lonely." I answer. "How are you and Hughes?" I ask. I see a light blush spread across her cheeks.

"We're doing well. He's slowly getting closer to me. He's very sweet when you get to know him." I smile at the thought.

"Think you two will have a future together?" He ask, Gracia blushing some more, yet shaking her head.

"Heaven's no. I don't think he would like me like that. Not to mention I've been seeing this other guy for quite some time now. Maybe Hughes and I will just stay friends." She said. I couldn't help but feel a little hurt that Gracia and Hughes may never end up together, but I can't really force relationships onto people.

"Well. I'll be off then. Tell Hughes I said hi." I told her, waving her off, then begin to walk to the cemetery where I hope Al is there waiting for me.

The weather is nice today. There has been a little rain today, but it's been mostly cloudy. It's different from the weather in Central. It's usually never cloudy there. And whenever it was cloudy, it'd rain heavily. The general always hated rainy days. Whenever he had to deal with a rainy day he'd go out to the bar and spend the night in someone else's bed. I've grown to hate rainy days too.

The cemetery is such a familiar place to me. I've been here too many times. Hopefully I won't have to visit it again for more than one person during my time here is Germany. I don't want anybody else dying because of me. Alphonse is waiting there. He was talking down at the grave. He was talking to Alfons. I approach him, setting the flowers down. I talk with Al a bit about Alfons. Every time we visit I always tell Al a new story about him. Surprisingly there's still much to tell about him. He is an interesting guy to talk about. I've spent a whole two years with him after all. We may not have been very close, but I've always loved his enthusiasm when he made those rockets. He was very intelligent. It's a shame he had to die so soon. His illness wouldn't have made him last longer, but he was shot in the end. No matter what world you're in, life really isn't fair, is it?

We end up spending our time there for about an hour, talking and staying silent. I don't mind the silence. It lets me think back on everything that's happened in my life and it somehow relaxes me. We're about to leave the cemetery. Back home where the whiskey is. I feel as though I've become quite the drinker. It's not a problem like with the general, but I guess it's more like an appealing taste that numbs the pain every now and then. Something catches my eye as we leave. A man sitting against a gravestone. He had his knees pressed closely to his chest, his face buried between the crevices of his legs, only leaving his dark hair visible. His body was trembling. It was considerably cold today, but not that cold. He must be grieving. I slowly approach him, Al staying behind.

"Hey. Are you okay?" I asked him loud enough for him to hear. My eyes widen. A shockingly familiar face is greeted with mine. The day has come. Finally. I wonder where this fated encounter will bring us.