Here it is, finally, the end. I'm sorry that it took so long to upload, but I've been very busy the past couple weeks. From a wedding to a grad party and many of other events in between. I'm still somewhat busy but I was finally able to write the epilogue. This story has been going on for the last 3 years and I'm glad that you guys finally got to see the ending.

I want to thank all those readers that stayed with me throughout the many years it took to finish this. I also want to thank all the new readers for checking out my story and giving it a chance. And as always, I want to thank you all for the favorites, follows, and reviews. They have made this experience so much better and kept me going when I thought I would never finish this story.

So this is goodbye for this story at least. I'll be working on The Plunge in the next couple of weeks at the most. That story has been up longer than this one! So if anyone wants to read that story that will definitely be getting updates then head on over there.

Thank you all for reading and I hope you go on and enjoy my other stories!

:3

Epilogue

"Damn, where are they?" Mustang grumbled as he dug through the pockets of one of his many jackets. Ed looked over at Al, who was standing by his side and holding his suitcase.

It had been a week since the final transmutation and now Edward was finally well enough to continue in his search for the philosopher's stone. The lieutenant had found a lead in a town about a day's travel away by train. She had done the colonel's job in searching for information for them. The newest lead she had kept secret until the day before, unsure if they would be able to pursue it.

"Found them." Mustang held his car keys up in triumph. Ed smiled and walked towards him.

"About time too, the train will be leaving soon." Edward spoke, hearing his brother's footsteps following close behind. "You would think you would remember where they are since Fuery visited us a few days ago."

The sergeant had visited a few days earlier to return Mustang's car. The man had been happy to see Ed back to his own body and had waved off Mustang's apology for the bloodstains in the car.

"I'm just glad Edward is okay." He had said as he was leaving, looking over his shoulder to smile at them.

The colonel looked down at Ed. "I guess the transmutation must have messed with my memory." He teased as he opened the front door.

The early morning sun dazzled Edward and he raised a hand to shield his eyes. Dew drops still lay on the grass and, in the light, they sparkled like small stars. He heard the door close behind him and the click of the lock. Mustang strode past him, walking through the grass towards the car.

Ed followed behind, slower than the colonel's brisk pace. Mustang stood patiently beside the car, holding open the passenger side door for him. Edward blinked gratefully at him as he climbed into the car. Al clambered into the back seat, hunching over in order to fit.

"Are you sure you're well enough for this?" Alphonse asked as they watched Mustang walk over to the other side of the car.

"Yes." He answered, turning his head to look out the side window as the colonel got in and started the car.

The ride to the station was quiet and Ed was thankful for it. He didn't like sappy goodbyes and the silence let him process what he would say to Mustang. The two had been together for a long while. Even when Edward had become well enough to not need constant attention the man had slept on the floor, refusing to leave his side. After Ed had said he was leaving the only made the colonel more worried. They had talked about it for the rest of the day until Ed finally convinced him he'd be fine. Even now, as he sat beside Mustang, he could feel that he was still unsure about the situation.

The train stop neared and Edward braced himself against the emotions that welled up inside him. He would miss the colonel as well but he knew that he had to leave sometime. It was better to get it out of the way sooner rather than later.

The car stopped and Ed watched as a few early risers prepared to leave. He heard Al get out of the car and he followed him, standing by the car as the armor grabbed the suitcase. Mustang was watching Edward closely, his gaze unreadable.

"Goodbye." He said to the brothers, looking at Ed as though he would never see him again.

"I'll be fine, I promise. You'll be the first to know when we arrive back in Central." Edward smiled, hoping it would reassure him. Deep down he wanted to tell Mustang that he would stay and that they would go home, but he knew that that wasn't possible.

The colonel nodded and smiled back, waving to them nonchalantly as he slowly drove away.

"Are you ready brother?" Alphonse asked. Ed looked at him and nodded, taking the lead towards the station.

As he walked he thought back on when he had known what was going on in Mustang's mind and how the two had shared memories and thoughts freely. The link had faded but Ed hoped that there was still a chance it remained, no matter how weak it was.

"Goodbye colonel and thank you." He thought, hoping that Mustang could hear it. Silence met his words and he felt a pang of sadness. He walked on and as the brothers were boarding the train he heard a faint noise, like wind whistling through the trees.

"Goodbye Edward, take care."