Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ A Love Forgotten ❯ Home Again ( Chapter 18 )

A Love Forgotten

By Joyfulmusic

 

I don't own FMA

Note: May contain spoilers!

 

Chapter 18: Home Again

 

It took several weeks and sessions with the physical therapist before Briana was able to leave the hospital. When she did it was in a wheelchair, making her glad that the apartment was on the first floor rather than the second or third. Her eyes were covered with a blindfold as she was wheeled into the living room.

 

Untying the knot Edward whispered in her ear, “Welcome home.” He watched as those blue-green eyes regained their sparkle. He and Al had decorated with balloons and streamers while Winry had sat with her. They'd bought a cake which sat on the coffee table.

 

“It's so good to see you.” Scieszka came from the kitchen, carrying several glasses of juice. Setting them down, she looped her arms around her friend, giving her a light hug. “You're looking well. And I've brought you plenty of books so you can stay busy!” Shifting to the side she pointed to a large pile in the corner.

 

Holding back a giggle Brie nodded, “That's so thoughtful, but I've only just finished the ones you brought to the hospital.” Seeing the disappointment coming she added quickly, “But I'm sure I'll have time to start on these tomorrow. Thank you so very much. I'm sure I'll love them.”

 

Winry gave a slight grin that said, “You didn't read those others, you're just saying that.” However she knew better than to mention it aloud. The brunette wasn't a slow reader, but she was no where close in comparison to Scieszka. Having finished the stack she'd been sent would have been quite an accomplishment!

 

Alphonse was already getting out the plates and forks. The cake was red velvet, which she happened to love. Of course Ed had found out in a round about way so she wouldn't know what to expect. The kittens, which had both hit a growth spurt, were able to enjoy a saucer of milk between them.

 

And when the party had finally ended, the mechanic chose to spend the night with Scieszka. It was nice when they had gone. Although Al was still there he didn't seem out of place. With just the three of them it seemed more like things were somewhat normal. It wasn't until that night that something did show the change.

 

Brie had already changed into her one-piece nightgown. She was sitting in her wheelchair at the desk in her room, looking through some old photos. A slight smile was on her face as she picked up one of when she and Jacob had gone to the park for a picnic. They were standing on a bridge smiling at the camera.

 

“Look's like we had fun.” She jumped, turning to find Edward peering over her shoulder. He pointed to himself in the picture. “Was this before or after we were married?” He'd decided that since she preferred not to differentiate between him and Jake, he wouldn't either.

 

“It was just a few months before.” Placing a hand on his neck she rubbed it lightly. “It was the day you asked me to marry you. We went to the park. In fact that was the very spot where you asked me. You had one of the passers by to take our picture just before you proposed.”

 

She laughed at the thought of it. “You told me later that it was because if I said no you wanted one last picture of us before your heart was broken.” Glancing up at him she touched his cheek. “I can't believe you honestly thought I would turn you down. I loved you so much, even then.”

 

Somewhere in the house a clock struck off the time. “An hour till midnight.” The alchemist murmured. Unlocking the wheels he turned her around toward the bed. “It's about time you were asleep. The doctor said you shouldn't get your days and nights mixed up.”

 

Moaning loudly she watched as he threw back the covers. Stretching out her arms she allowed him to pick her up and put her in the bed. The therapist had told her how to go about doing it herself, but he wanted to do it. “I'm not a child Edward. I should be able to choose how late to stay up.”

 

Shaking his head, he tucked the blanket in around her. Taking a seat in the wheelchair, he pulled off his shoes. “What are you doing?” She questioned, a quizzical expression on her face. He only gave her that annoying grin as he pulled off his shirt. “I asked what you were doing.”

 

Standing he walked over to close the door before going to the dresser and opening the top drawer. “What does it look like I'm doing?” Finding a pair of shorts he changed into them, blushing a bit since she was still watching. Climbing over her, he slid in under the bedspread.

 

Briana turned onto her side, having figured out a way to do so while in the hospital. “So you moved your clothes in here I see?” He nodded. “And you've decided that you're going to stay in here with me at night?” The same answer. “Have you figured out who's supposed to turn out the light?”

 

“Oh.” Ed peered up at the light bulb which was defiantly still on. With a groan, he got up and turned it off. Getting back into place he pulled her close. “Is there anything else I've forgotten?” She shook her head with a smirk. “Good because I don't want to miss one second I could spend with you.”

 

Shifting so that her back was against his chest she closed her eyes. It seemed as though things might just work out after all. She'd been worried about it, but now she was hopeful. Everything hadn't fallen apart like she'd feared. Edward was by her side. Al was also there for her. As he'd put it, they were a family and would stand together no matter what.

 

 

“Mmm, what smells so good?” As she wheeled herself around the corner she saw Ed standing over the stove flipping pancakes. When she paused a moment, one of the kittens jumped into her lap. Stroking it's head gently, she smiled. “I thought you hated to cook, so what are you doing?”

 

With a quirky smirk, the alchemist placed the last of the food onto a plate. “I'm making my beautiful wife breakfast.” Moving to the table he placed the dish down then came up behind her to push her over to eat. “You've got to get your strength back so I won't have to keep doing this.”

 

She laughed, allowing him to wheel her. In truth she'd rather have done it herself, but was willing to accommodate his need to be her protector. “Just as soon as I can I'll be making all the meals but…” Sniffing the food she sighed, “You're fairly good at it yourself.”

 

When he'd taken his seat next to her, she realized that someone was missing. Glancing toward the living room she found it was vacant. “Where's Alphonse, shouldn't he be in here with us?” It was true that he couldn't eat, but that had never stopped him from being at the breakfast table.

 

“He's gone to pick up some books for research. I thought it would be best if he went and brought them back here. That way I could stay with you.” Leaning over he kissed her neck gently. He just couldn't get enough of that smell. This morning had been like when he'd woken up with her those few months ago.

 

Her sweet scent had enveloped him, as had her arms. The nurses had helped her to take a bath before leaving the hospital. Her curls, unfortunately, remained unattended. But other than that, everything about Briana was perfect in his eyes. “How about if I wash you hair today?” He offered returning to his food.

 

Running a hand across her scalp she wrinkled her nose. “It could certainly use a good scrubbing. But how are you going to manage it? I can't exactly stand over the sink.” When his expression became sad she was sorry she'd put it that way. “But it is a lovely idea and I'm sure you'll think of something.”

 

He hadn't considered how, but she was right he did have an idea come to him rather quickly. “How about if I put you up on the counter?” She gave him a look that said `What?' But he didn't give her time to vocalize it. “Hear me out. If you lay down on the counter then you can hang your hair off into the kitchen sink. Then it wouldn't be any trouble to wash.”

 

Swallowing the bite she had in her mouth, the brunette took his hand. “Alright dear, I'll trust you not to drown me.” When he grinned she knew he appreciated the joke. It seemed like he felt the ghost of Jacob watching him. Every move he made became calculated. “I love you so much Edward.”

 

He stared at her for a long moment. `Am I that transparent?' It was as though she could see straight through him. The alchemist still feared letting her down. “I love you too Brie. And I am trying. I know it's hard for you, looking at me and seeing him. But I am trying to be what you want.”

 

That was the first time he'd admitted what he was feeling. Shaking her head with a weary smile she sighed. “When I look at you, I see you. I just wish you'd be yourself instead of trying to be what you're not. You're my husband, and I love you, not the man you think you used to be.”

 

It was apparent that he wasn't buying her explanation. Touching his cheek she continued. “As Jacob you were still you. The way you smile, the way you sigh, even the way you toss and turn at night, it's the same. Inside you have always been Ed, no matter what name you went by. I love the soul within which has never changed.”

 

Taking in a deep breath, the alchemist tried to believe her. “Then why do you look at me the way you do?” Her brow furrowed, showing she didn't understand. “When I do certain things you look at me as if… as if it pains you. It's like I'm doing something wrong. And I want to do better but… I don't know how to.”

 

Briana thought for a while. `Do I?' It hadn't occurred to her. “You mean like when you braid your hair?” He nodded, making her swallow hard. She'd barely touched her food. “I suppose it's because I miss the way it was. Not that I miss Jacob because I have you, but that I miss… our life with just the two of us.”

 

Edward was visibly struck by her words. He couldn't just turn away from Alphonse. He couldn't just let his life as a military dog go. “I'm sorry Brie, but I can't give that to you.” Standing he started to walk away, but stopped when he felt her hand grasp his arm. He peered down into her sorrowful eyes.

 

“Please don't, don't leave me.” Tears began to fall as visions of that morning came flooding back. “Please don't go.” She whispered, sobs already giving way, racking through her already weak body. When he knelt before her she pleaded, “I'm sorry, just don't go.”

 

“No.” He said, wiping away the salty droplets. The psychiatrist had warned him about this. Her fear of his leaving was strong and her injuries would back up the claim in her mind, however untrue it might be. “I wasn't going to leave you darling. It's alright I'm here.”

 

Pressing herself against him she continued to sob. “I didn't mean it like it sounded. I love having Al around it's just… Oh Ed I didn't mean it. I just miss you.” Her grip tightened. “You just weren't… weren't here. You didn't act like you loved me. That's what I miss. I miss you.”

 

Kissing her head, he felt a pang of guilt. It was true. Before the accident, even while they'd been under the same roof, it was as if there was an invisible wall between them. “I do love you, I just don't know how to show it. I'm so scared I won't be good enough, that you'll change your mind.”

 

Shifting so that she could peer at him she frowned. “I won't. I'll never change my mind. I want to be with you for the rest of my life Edward. But I want you to want me too.” She pressed her lips against his, and afterward managed to dry her eyes, “Let's finish eating so you can wash my hair alright?”

 

Ed returned to his seat. “Alright.” He'd have to let go and be himself more from now on. It was what she wanted and would help their relationship considerably. `How did I ever win such a wonderful woman?' If not for Jacob, could he truly have won her heart on his own? Regardless, it would be him who would have to keep it.