automailed | [Voice / Action]

[Now that he's gotten over his own embarrassment somewhat-]

...So that's what an experiment is like, huh.

[Okay, maybe not entirely over it. That was beyond humiliating and he doesn't even want to acknowledge it anymore. Ugh.]

Whatever, forget it. I have a question for the people who've lived here longer than me. What kind of escape attempts have already happened here? Has anything worked, or even showed small signs of success? If it's not something you want to talk about over the journals, you can find me at the library.

Thanks in advance.

[...Oh right, before he forgets again-]

And if anyone finds a silver pocketwatch in one of the shops, chances are it's mine. I'd appreciate it if you let me know if you see it.

...Don't look inside, either!

[And as promised Ed will be at the library today, either inside pouring over a dozen books or just outside the entrance, probably munching away at something he pilfered during a visit to the bakery. You know, after he realized he hadn't eaten for seven hours or something. As usual he's probably wearing five different layers despite the heat, the nutter.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Now now, no need for that. I never said I would do that. Especially if you'e going to be so sensitive.

You can't blame me for doubting you, considering your history.

[Seriously it's like you make it your job to make him look like an idiot sometimes.]

That seems harsh. When have I done anything to warrant that?

[Besides, Ed does that all on his own.]

I'm sure I could come up with a list if I sat down and thought about it.

That doesn't seem like a practical use of your time, though.

Yeah, that's why you should be grateful that I still have so much work to do.

[Yeah he's letting you off easy this time, bossman. ~~mostly because he can't do much better than "UGLY FACE" right now~~]

It's better having the old you back, anyway. Even if you are a pretty good cook.

I could still cook if I wanted to. It's not like whatever they did to me changed my ability to follow directions.

Perfect! I'll stop by for breakfast tomorrow. You may want to cook the bacon a little longer, next time.

I'm not cooking tomorrow! And don't just invite yourself over, either!

Changed your mind already? That's disappointing.

Don't expect me to cook all the time just because I know how.

Not even for a friend?

You should ask Miss Gracia. She's much better at it than me.

But I hardly even know her. Besides, her husband doesn't really like me, remember?

You're a homunculus now, you've gotta win that trust. Anyway, it's their home more than mine, so if you want to be welcome around here, you'd better think about that.

You're being too serious, Ed. [Then again, Ed is always like that.]

So, now that you're back to your old self, how's your progress?

[Back down to business, yup.]

I think I'm almost done. I just need to confirm a few things with Al.

[And. You know. Tell him what it is exactly that they're doing.]

Glad to hear it. I was starting to get comfortable here. Especially after that trip to the beach. [Winry almost had him convinced to spend time learning to swim, even.]

Yeah. I'm thinking by the end of next week, we'll be ready.

[He pauses, mulling over something for a moment, then adds-]

We'll... have to use it, Ling.

[Hopefully Ling will understand what he means.]

We both figured you would.

[It's a sacrifice they're willing to make. Ling can't become Emperor stuck in here and Greed can hardly rule a world like this, trapped in a bubble.]

We'll make that sacrifice.

...Yeah.

[A necessary sacrifice... he knows it, can't really deny it. But it still makes him feel uneasy, leaving a bad taste in his mouth. He hasn't forgotten what it felt like to use the Philosopher's Stone last time, with all those voices screaming and crying out all around him.

"Thank you."

Was it better to use them this way, for his own gain but also for the sake of protecting Amestris by sending himself and the others back home? Or to leave them as they were, suffering inside Greed's stone, unable to rest until he's injured or is killed? Is there really a good answer for this?

He just doesn't know.]

[He knows good and well Edward is squeamish about using the stone. In a way it's an admirable trait, to be able to value life so highly. It's unfortunately a luxury Ling will never be able to afford.]

Are you sure you still want to do this?

[Edward shakes his head, with only a second's hesitation. No. He can't afford to indulge his own concerns in this kind of situation; it may not be as severe a place to be trapped in as Gluttony's stomach, but it's still a prison nonetheless.]

We don't have much choice here. Let's just do it before I change my mind.