An Alchemist's Envy

Chapter 3: Sweet Melodies

I ran to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. The cool water dripped from my chin down to my neck as I tried to calm my breathing. My reflection in the mirror looked so frightened, I saw the old, younger me in my eyes. The past that I thought had been buried is, for some random reason, resurfacing. Frustrated, I turned my back against the mirror and spotted something hanging on the back of the door. I pulled off the hook a dark, black leather jacket that looked brand new. I couldn't help but try it on. It was a bit big, but other than that it fit fine.

It was actually very warm...

I zipped it up halfway and ran over to the tiny closet on the other side of the room. They said this was Roy's old room, so maybe he left a few things in here that he might not need, like this jacket. I just wanted to see if he might have a bag that I can use. And sure enough, there was a small, old tan shoulder bag. I shoved my book inside it and went back into the bathroom.

"Can't leave looking like this..." I told myself as I fixed my hair and splashed more water on my face. As I was drying my face with a towel there was a faint knock on the door. I don't think I've ever had so many people wanting to talk to me before. I opened the door and was, yet again, meeting an unfamiliar face.

"Miss Lindsey, I apologize for coming by so early, but Mr. Elric has requested to see you in the study hall." Said a man dressed in a blue uniform.

"Edward is still in town?" I asked as I followed the man.

"His train leaves this afternoon, so he wishes to speak with you before he goes."

"I see... Wait till Roy hears this." I chuckled.

"He already knows." Roy startled me, suddenly standing next to me, "Fullmetal can't run for long. He'll have to face things sooner or later." He glanced sideways at me and I could see him smile.

"Nice jacket."

"O-oh, gosh, I'm sorry! It was in the bathroom a-and I just--"

"Keep it. It looks better on you."

My cheeks warmed as we entered a small room lined with book shelves. There was a large table in the middle of the room and few chairs, one already occupied by Edward. When he saw Roy his face twisted and he glared.

"I asked to see Lindsey." Edward spat at the poor officer who was actually shaking in his boots.

"And I asked to see you, yesterday, to hand in your paperwork on her case." Roy recoiled.

"Yeah, well--"

"Brother, be nice." Alphonse spoke up from one of the corners he'd been standing in, "Just give him the rest of the paperwork and ask your question."

Edward grumbly did as his younger brother asked and Roy snatched the papers from him. As he read over a few pages, Edward turned his attention to me.

"I need to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Did you take me pen?"

I laughed, "You called me down here for a pen?"

"I like that pen, thank you very much." Edward grumbled.

"I didn't take it, you left it, but yes. I do have it." I dug inside the bag for the pen while Roy asked Edward some questions.

"Fullmetal, how is your search coming?"

"It would be better if we didn't have to stick around and do pointless assignments," Edward looked at me, "No offense."

"None taken," I said as I handed him back the pen, "What are you searching for?"

"Something we need." Was all he said as he turned to Alphonse, "Time to go."