Hello there! Gosh, I can't believe I haven't updated in so long. Sorry about that! So, this is the new chapter but I am not too proud of it. I'm sure there's OOCness in this chapter, which I don't like but c'mon, there's always a little bit of that in fanfiction, right? :P I hope you enjoy!

It was the same every night. Pain and agony even filled my subconscious, which reflected itself quite vividly in my dreams. The only difference now was the fact I woke up alone. It's quite silly and, if you think about it, quite childish, but sleeping alone has always been painful for me. Alley knew this. My mother knew. So, as a result, I really never had to face sleeping alone because I had always been with one or the other. Now, though, things would only change again as I had to face the fact I would forever be sleeping, and waking up, alone.

Sweat covered my skin and I was violently shaking as I was jerked cruelly from my much needed sleep. I didn't even have to start crying since I was already doing so. God. I missed them. There is nothing in the world like needing something so desperately but knowing you can never receive it. There is no, 'please, one more chance' and there is no cheat or anything you can give to get someone you loved so dearly back from death. They are simply gone. This is something I never could fully understand.

You have someone here who has given you and other people life, a will to live. There is this person who means the world to you because, to put it simply, the world wouldn't mean anything without them. They make you smile, they make you laugh, they're there when you cry, they let you live. And then, one day, they're just gone. No buts, ifs or ands.

That's it.

It's this simple fact that has made me come undone so painfully at the moment. I would give my heart, my soul, just to see my mother's smile again. Or to hear my sister laugh. It hurts. It hurts to breathe without them.

I stayed up a good two and a half hours just crying, swearing, begging and sobbing.

'God, if you're listening, this is all I ask. If I can't have my family, if I can't have my mother or my sister, give me someone I can have. Someone I won't have to watch die. Someone I can hold. Someone I can love.'

This may have very well been the first time I've ever truly prayed.

'Amen.'

The sunshine stung my eyes as I heard someone knock on my door. What time is it anyways? God, my head hurts. "Go away.." I grumbled, still half asleep and not looking to fully wake up just yet. But, there was the knocking again.

"I said fuck off!" I shouted, which only caused a throbbing pain in my temple. The knocking stopped, but was replaced by the sound of the door being unlocked and the hinges screeching so terribly as they too were awakened. "Roy, so help me, I will kick your-.." But I stopped mid sentence as I looked up at a man whom I didn't recognize. His expression was amused as he assessed me and, as his eyes ran over me, a sickening feeling settled in my gut. This man was much more intimidating then Roy, I'll admit, and his cold stare put me on edge.

"Sorry, sweetheart, but your boyfriend isn't here to escort you today. He's busy at the moment. My name's Solf J. Kimblee, but you can address me as Sir." He said with a sly, sickening grin. Damn. I never thought I'd miss Mustang..

"Boyfriend," I huffed, "you'd be wise as to watch your tongue, Kimberly. You'll bite off more then you'll be able to chew." I said icily as I slid out of bed. I guess with Mustang escorting me everywhere, rumors start even in a place like this. I was still uneasy on my feet, but nothing like I was before. For once, I was looking forward to coming back to my cell. At lease this creep wouldn't be here.

It was quite clear that my exemplary attitude had pissed him off by how quickly his grin evaporated and was replaced with an intimidating glare. "Well, I shouldn't have expected a warm greeting from the child who gave the Colonel such a delicious black eye. Beware though, little girl, I am not one you wish to offend.."

And with that said, he turned on his heels and exited my cell. "She doesn't get breakfast this morning since she isn't fit to be around people." I heard him spit at one of the guards. "Oh, and sweetie? I expect an apology at lunch, or that will just be another missed meal for you." He said, his icy stare catching mine for only a split second, though it was more then enough to send a shiver down my spine.

The door was then latched and locked behind him, putting a very much welcomed barrier between me and Kimblee. No breakfast? That was just uncalled for and.. cruel. What the hell was that guys problem anyways?! But, this man seemed cruel. A fearful kind of cruel.

After that, I passed the time by just going in and out of consciousness. It wasn't like there was exactly anything to do in my cell anyways. Nine, ten, eleven came and went and it was as if it didn't matter in the slightest to me. Time wasn't worth it anymore. Nothing was.

At noon, there was no knock on my door. Instead, it was just unlocked and opened, waking me up from my sound sleep.

"You are a lazy thing, aren't you?"

Now that was much better. I was beyond relieved to see the Colonel in my doorway. "Well, come on. Lunch is being served as we speak."

That was all he needed to say for me to slip out of bed and sleepily follow after him. Even though I wouldn't seek the Colonels company out or anything, I was quite happy it was him that would be escorting me to lunch. He wasn't a total bitch.

Kimblee's name wasn't mentioned once on the way to the lunch room, which was a relief, but I did catch sight of him momentarily as we entered the crowded mess hall. If he saw me, he didn't give it away. I wonder if Roy even knew about our little meeting. I sure hope so. As strict as he was, it didn't seem like he'd take too kindly to Kimblee's shit.

We waited in line in silence, got our food in silence and then found a vacant table in silence. The thing was, though, it wasn't awkward and, even though I'd never admit it to his face, I did feel safer in his presence. He seemed like a man who was truly for justice and standing next to the weak, which I liked. Maybe I could tolerate Roy after all..

I didn't hesitate to dig into my lunch and, in only a short while, I had cleaned my tray. Hey, when the worlds ended, eating like a 'lady' is the last thing you worry about. If you even eat at all.

''Well, I'm glad you have an appetite." Roy commented, in which I just nodded my response. "How's your injury healing? Has Winry had a chance to take a look at it today?" He inquired. I shook my head no.

"I don't think she needs to look at it, honestly. Besides being an injury, it hasn't given me any trouble. I would hate for your only medic to waste her time on me." I answered as I lazily ran my finger around the ring of my plastic cup. I was looking forward to getting back to my room so I could just avoid people. It wasn't like I was in need of a strangers company and I wasn't looking to go and make friends with people so I could just lose them as well. Being alone was really better in this world.

"Well, I will take you to see her after lunch; you're not a waste of her time as long as you're truly injured, which you are. We need you in shape if you're going to stay with us." He said in his typical, matter-of-fact tone. Damn, did this man have any feelings?

I let out a long sigh. "Fine. Can we make it quick then?" I asked, admitting defeat since I was too tired to argue. Maybe I could get something from Winry to help me sleep while I'm at it.

After Roy finished, he stood up and took care of his tray. I found it amusing how, in just a short week, he was slowly giving me privileges. For example, when I first arrived, he wouldn't even consider leaving me unattended in the open. But here I was. I knew it was pushing it, but I stood and took care of my own mess before finding the nearest latrine. I made sure not to take my time so I didn't give my bodyguard a heart attack. When I left the small ladies room, I found the hallway now vacant.

Aww, yes.

People were probably heading back to their families, loved one and friends. They had better things to do then loiter around where they shouldn't be. They had lives.

I, on the other hand, was just here.

Half way down the corridor was when I realized those weren't just my footsteps echoing down the hall. Oh shit, Roy will probably lose his top.

"Wait, I can expl-.."

I wasn't even close to quick enough to finishing my sentence before I was pinned against the wall, a hand firmly wrapped around my neck and my feet now off the ground. I couldn't breathe and, in turn, the startled cry I want to let out was choked off.

"So, my apology? Pipsqueak?"

My eyes met those of deep blue pools filled with cold anger. It blew my mind how someone I could've only just met this morning could harbor such bitter feelings.

Maybe these feelings weren't just for me though. . .

I let out a strangled gasp, panic rising in my throat as I struggled against the clearly more powerful male. Shit, where was Roy?! Wait.. what if I was on my own? With that thought in mind, I placed my feet on his stomach, giving a powerful kick and sending Kimblee tumbling to the other side of the hall. I landed on the cold cement with a loud thud. At my best, I couldn't recover fast enough to get away from the threat. I staggered to my feet and maybe took four steps before he was on me again. And, in a flash, I was on the ground, pinned under him on my stomach.

"See, a cute little thing like yourself will come quite in handy for entertainment when I take over this place." He spoke softly, menacingly in my ear. It made me want to puke with how I could feel his hot breath on my neck.

But, like the arrogant fool he was, he had underestimated the 'little one'. I threw my head back, successfully breaking his nose, but also tearing my side as I stretched. I held back the pained cry I wanted to let out as he recoiled, giving me the perfect opportunity to pull myself to my feet. Without even thinking through the consequences of my actions, I turned on heel and gave him a swift, hard kick to the face before I took off down the hall. Granted, I wasn't very fast due to my injury, but it didn't sound like Kimblee was quick to pursue me.

After that, I made it to the entrance of the mess hall before I even looked down at the warm, wet spot now located on my side. My jumper was soaking through with blood already and, as I saw my wound, was when the pain truly hit me. Shit.

I doubled over in pain, letting out a low groan as I slumped to the floor. If I could just get to the medic's office, I'd be fine. I forced myself to stand and I took a few clumsy steps forward before I doubled over again. I wasn't going anywhere.

"There she is!"

The angry, and almost childish howl came from none other then my attacker, and he was now accompanied with two armed men. He was a bloodied mess himself, well at least his face was, but it was clear he wasn't in any danger of bleeding out anytime soon. Right as the men charged at me was when I stood up and tried to take off blindly, but only to run into strong arms that held me right in my place.. and against his chest.

"At ease." Roy spoke, his voice calm but firm as he held me against him. I vaguely took note that I was now bleeding on him, but he didn't seem to notice.

"Sir, she charged Kimblee. We were just following protocol-"

"I will take care of her myself. Kimblee, clean yourself up."

Fuck, I was in trouble. What would he do? Shoot me? Kick me out? Deny me a medic?! Each possibility added to my anxiety and, soon, I was shaking.

"Yes, sir." The two guards saluted in unison.

Without thinking, I looked at Kimblee boldly. "I still got my lunch." I spat. After giving me a long, cold stare, he stalked off in silence. Once the men were gone, I tried to step out of his grip but it was clear I wasn't going anywhere.

"I-I didn't attack him! I swear, it was just self defense." I stuttered out as I looked up at the man who I felt would punish me severely in just a few moments. But, to my dismay, his gaze was gentle.

"Just hush." His voice was still matter of fact, but it felt like something was amiss. "You sure are nothing but trouble." He said, his voice almost irritable, but holding something else that made me relax some. Something told me I wasn't in trouble at all. Then, almost effortlessly, he scooped me up.

"H-Hey, uncalled for!" I protested before I attempted to squirm free, only to let out a groan of pain a moment later.

"You'll just injure yourself more if you struggle, so knock it off." He scolded me, making me feel like a child all over again. It made me more then just a little uncomfortable with how soothing it felt to be close to someone again, and the unfamiliar feeling made me want to run.

I tried to remind myself that I wasn't suppose to get close to anyone again, physically or emotionally. But, instead of listening to myself, I listened to Roy. I didn't struggle anymore and, instead, found that it was quite comfortable to be in his arms like this, all except for the throbbing pain in my side! I was starting to feel a bit light headed, which could only be blamed on my loss of blood. Admitting defeat, I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes as the world slowly began to spin around me. My eyes shot open though as Roy applied pressure to the wound, another groan of pain escaping me.

"I know, I know." He said in almost a soothing voice, which just made my heart stutter. "I'll get Winry to patch you up soon." This was just weird, but it felt so good. He was warm, completely unlike anything that lie in wait outside these walls, and I could feel his heart beating. He was alive, he was here. He wasn't just some cold superior who was here to keep people in line, he was a person. He'd probably lost more then he'd ever gain in this place. He'd probably lost people who he'd loved. He'd probably felt the same pain I had felt.

He was human.

As sad as it was, people could easily lose their humanity in this cold world. They'd forget how people still had feelings as their need to survive took over. A person was either a threat or not. They were never human. But Roy had just reminded me that we were all, still in fact, human.

I let out a breath as I closed my eyes again, the pain in my side making sure I didn't actually fall asleep. Before I knew it, I was being set on the examining table in Winry's office, dark eyes meeting my sleepy golden ones.

"You weren't alone out there, were you?"

The question made my eyes widen and, for a moment, I didn't know what to say. Part of me wanted to sob, to tell him how I'd murdered my sister, how guilty I felt and how I felt so sick when I even thought about how I was still here and she wasn't. I wanted to tell him how we'd lost my mother before this whole pandemic, how I was left to take care of Alley since I was young.

My actual response though, even shocked me.

"Mind your own fucking business!" I spat through gritted teeth, tears of what I'd like to blame on frustration now entering my eyes. "I don't need anyone to take care of me, I can take care of myself. Understood? I was alone." I growled out, my eyes cold and completely unwelcoming. I hated that I still felt so vulnerable under his gaze and I hated how I felt like he could see through my lie. I didn't want anyone to know of what happened, especially him! At the same time, I wanted to get this tremendous weight off my chest. How could I ever let someone that close to me though? I'd just lose them too.

"Just get out!" I commanded, my voice raising some as I addressed him. I needed him away from me before I did something I'd regret.

I'll admit, he looked unpleasantly surprised by my outburst, but he didn't react by arguing or scolding me. "Fine." He said, exasperation evident in his voice. "I'll respect your right to being alone, for the moment. Keep in mind though, I will not tolerate such disrespect again, so you'd do well to tame that tongue of yours." His cold, matter-of-fact tone had returned and there was no warmth left with the way he addressed me. With that said, he turned and headed out the door but, before he closed it, he turned back to me.

"No one wants to be alone, especially in this world. If you truly wanted to be alone, you would've left by now."

The door then latched closed and I was left alone, waiting for the medic as his words echoed in my head. I really didn't want to be alone but, as long as I was, I couldn't lose anyone else. Maybe God was trying to answer my prayer after all though. . .

So there it is! Please tell me what you think! Let me know how I'm doing with keeping the characters in character, please! I feel like I'm not doing too well with it but I'm not sure if I'm just being too critical. XD Anyways, thank you for reading! I will hopefully update soon!