I have no words right now.

I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.

*one week later*

"Brother!"

"Al!"

Mustang couldn't help but smile as he watched the two brothers reunite. Despite the flood of soldiers reuniting with their loved ones, no one could miss the suit of armor picking up his brother in a hug, spinning around in what could only be described as the purest form of joy.

There was only one good aspect to war, and that was seeing it end.

Husbands and wives embracing, fathers and mothers hugging their children, families becoming whole again were phenomenas that made everything they went through and fought for completely worth it.

However, there were always those soldiers that didn't make it home.

There were some casualties on the Amestrian side. During the Drachman invasion, there had been a struggle on the west side of North City. When Mustang's group arrived, they annihilated the Drachmans, but not before they suffered the loss of twenty-three soldiers.

Despite this loss, Mustang couldn't help but be relieved the death toll wasn't worse for them. Had Ed still been under the control of the Drachmans, he didn't even want to begin to imagine what would have happened, or what might have happened if he and Ed hadn't escaped the Drachman camp. In reality, Amestris was quite lucky.

After the initial invasion, the Amestrians interrogated the few Drachmans they captured and decided to keep alive for the time being. Corin had been one of them, and Mustang was all too happy to help with his interrogation.

He admitted that General Vincent Antonov never notified his superiors of his and Ed's escape from the camp, having full confidence that the Drachmans would either find them or beat them to North City. He was also probably afraid of what his superiors would have done to him for this mistake. Had Vincent's superiors known, they would have called off the invasion. They knew their army would have been fighting a losing battle. It was quite sad. One man's pride cost him his own life, his men's lives, and the war for Drachma.

"Daddy!"

Elicia ran as fast as her tiny legs would allow up to Hughes, who scooped her up into his arms. Gracia followed close behind her and embraced them.

Much to the Colonel's surprise, he didn't feel the slightest ounce of jealousy at the scene of the happy family before him. He had his own, after all. As if Al could read his mind, he soon found himself grabbed from behind in a bone-crushing hug and lifted off the ground.

"It's so good to see you, Colonel!"

He tried to hide the pain that was flaring through his ribs, not wanting to make the younger Elric feel bad. Although, if he were honest, he was just enjoying the fact he was getting a hug from Alphonse. He apparently wasn't able to stop a grimace from crossing his face.

"Al, put him down! His ribs are cracked!"

The suit of armor quickly set him on his feet when he heard Ed's words.

"I'm so sorry, Colonel!" Al apologized.

Mustang chuckled as he rubbed his sore ribs.

"It's quite all right, Al. It's good to see you too!"

Hawkeye approached him not a moment later with the three items he requested.

"I've already called the Rockbells," she notified. "They'll be expecting you."

The Colonel nodded in thanks, taking the tickets out of her hands. Before the Lieutenant turned to join the rest of the team, she gave him one of her rare smiles.

"Don't be afraid to stay for a little while, sir. I'm sure you could use a little bit of time off."

Mustang nearly jolted at her words. He never thought for a second that his First Lieutenant would ever say such a thing to him. Although, when he thought about it, it made sense. Given everything he had been through for the last five months, some time off might actually do him some good. He found himself seriously considering this proposition, but was brought out of his thoughts when another train pulled into the station. Putting his hands on Ed and Al's backs, he guided the two brothers to the newly arrived train.

"Edward, you need to properly rest. I'm taking you two back to Resembool to make sure that happens."

Ed didn't bother protesting. He knew it wouldn't do him any good. He still had wounds and injuries that never got the chance to completely heal from his time in Drachma. Maybe going back home would be the remedy he needed, both physically and emotionally. With a smile, he followed Mustang and Al onto the train.

*break*

The dark-orange light of a sunset greeted the trio as they got off the train. Al offered to carry the suitcases for Ed and the Colonel as they still had quite a walk to get to the Rockbell's.

As they approached the house, a blur came barreling toward them. Ed was barely able to brace himself as Winry flung her arms around him. Surprised that his mechanic wasn't hitting him upside the head with a wrench, he almost forgot to respond to her hug. Carefully wrapping his arms around her waist, he returned the embrace.

"I'm glad you're okay, alchemy freak," Winry whispered, unable to hide the concern she must have been feeling for him.

They made their way into the Rockbell house, where Pinako was waiting for them with dinner ready. The Colonel was helping her clean the kitchen up afterward while Winry checked on Ed's automail.

"Are there any more soldiers still in North City?" Pinako asked, trying to make conversation.

Mustang could tell the real reason she was wanting to know. He nodded.

"Yes, we still have some soldiers that stayed behind, just to be safe. Some are going to Fort Briggs for awhile. It looks like we won't be seeing anything from Drachma any time in the near future, but it doesn't hurt to be careful."

Pinako visibly relaxed, knowing that it didn't look like Ed would have to go to war anytime soon. Once the two were finished cleaning, they walked into the living room to find Ed asleep on the couch. He was sprawled across the piece of furniture, his hand resting on his stomach and pushing his shirt up. The Colonel couldn't help but wince as he saw the bandages and bruises peeking out from under Ed's tank top.

Many of Ed's old wounds reopened or were aggravated during the fight with the Drachmans. He made a mental note to tell Pinako and Al the instructions given to him for taking care of the kid's wounds. If Ed had it his way, an eternity would pass before he completely healed.

Mustang quietly strode over to the couch and picked Ed up as gently as he could. Pinako was kind enough to show him to Ed's room, where he laid his subordinate on the bed. He took off Ed's boots and covered him with a blanket. The young alchemist didn't even stir once.

The two stood in the doorway, watching as Ed peacefully slept. Pinako quietly shut the door, leaving him to rest.

"Your room is down the hall and to the left," she said as she turned to go to her own room for the night. She looked over her shoulder for a brief moment. "And Colonel Mustang, please feel free to stay as long as you like."

Mustang couldn't hide the shock that crossed his face. The last time he encountered Pinako Rockbell, he got the feeling that she didn't like him. That was probably accurate. In a way, he was the one who gave Ed and Al the opportunity to leave Resembool. She couldn't keep an eye on them much anymore.

An amused grin spread across her lips. It was as if she could read his mind.

"Al talks very highly of you. I know Ed feels the same, even though he won't always show it. I know you've been watching out for those boys. Consider it a thank you for taking care of them."

With that, she left him for the evening. Mustang smiled as he walked down the hall to his room.

*break*

The Colonel clutched his jacket around him as he walked out in the cool night. He couldn't sleep, so he decided to go for a walk. He knew where he wanted his destination to be, but he didn't know where it was exactly. Resembool was a small town, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find.

Sure enough, after wandering around, he found what he was looking for. He trudged through the cemetery until he found the grave he needed to find.

Trisha Elric

1878-1904

He stood in front of the headstone in near silence, the wind making the only noise. He couldn't help but think how proud she would be of her two boys. She had to have been an amazing woman herself to have such wonderful sons.

"Back in the Drachman camp," Mustang said, breaking the silence, "I know I was drugged, but I would like to think that was really you. What you said encouraged me more than you could ever imagine."

He would have thought he would feel silly talking to a headstone, but he didn't. It felt natural. However, that could have been because of whose grave it was.

"I feel so honored to have Edward and Alphonse in my life. I know you want what's best for your boys. I'm going to do everything I can to help them accomplish their goals. I promise you, I'll look out for them as long as I live."

The wind picked up around him as he turned to leave. He glanced back at the headstone. He smiled to himself. It was as if she knew he was there. The exhaustion of the day's traveling seemed to catch up to him now.

He had his closure. Trisha Elric helped him to keep going while he and Ed escaped the camp. Her words would resonate within his mind until he reached his goal. He would help her in return. His smile grew when he thought of Ed and Al.

Ed had a very rocky road ahead of him. He was going to be battling those nightmares and memories from the horrors he faced for long time. That was a whole new war of its own.

The Colonel walked with pure determination back toward the Rockbell's. He was going to be there for Ed. He always will be.

His kid won't be able to hide anything from him. He knows first hand of how nightmares and bad memories can break even the strongest of men. He isn't going to stop until Ed is whole again. It might take him some getting used to, and he definitely won't be perfect at it, but he's going to be the father Ed and Al need.

*October 2, 1915*

Brigadier General Mustang ran a hand through his hair as he made his way to his office. Ever since the Promised Day, chaos has been the only way to describe his life. He had so much to do and plan concerning the rebuilding of Ishval. He got word that Fuhrer Grumman might be transferring him out East soon.

He tried not to let his stress get the best of him. He didn't need his loyal subordinates to worry about him.

"Good morning, sir," Hawkeye greeted as he walked by her desk, "You've got visitors waiting for you in your office."

He whirled around, staring at her in disbelief. How could she allow this? He didn't have time for visitors unless they scheduled an appointment with him. His annoyance was evident, causing Hawkeye to chuckle.

"Just go on in. No need to keep them waiting."

He let out an annoyed huff and walked into his office. He wasn't sure who he was expecting to see, but it definitely wasn't who was there.

Alphonse was sitting on one of the couches, standing the second he entered. Edward, on the other hand, was sitting in his chair with his feet propped up on his desk, wearing a smirk that Mustang hadn't realized he missed so much until now.

"So we hear you're a fancy-pants general now," Ed said as he entered the office.

Annoyed feelings out the window, Mustang smiled as he shut the door.

"Edward and Alphonse Elric, well if this isn't a pleasant surprise! What brings you boys here?"

A fury of emotions and memories raged within him. After the battle with Drachma, his relationship with the Elric brothers only strengthened and grew. They had their rough patches, of course, but what relationship didn't?

To anyone outside of Mustang's team, nothing looked any different between the current and former state alchemists. Ed had tried his patience at times, but overall, he was beyond proud of him and his brother. They always completed their missions. Completing them in the manner in which he expected them to be...that was another story.

Within the team, they were able to act like a family. He didn't bother to hide his concern every time the brothers went off on a mission or a lead on the Philosopher's Stone. They always had to assure him that they would be fine, and usually they were. That didn't stop him from worrying, though. On the other side, Ed would actually come to him and talk about his nightmares or bad memories. It was relieving to see the teen having to do that less and less as time went on, but Mustang's door was always open for him when he needed it.

After the Promised Day, it nearly killed him when Ed and Al went back to Resembool, but he understood. They accomplished their goal, saving the entire country in the process. In reality, Mustang was glad those two got away from the military. However, there was a selfish part of him that didn't want them to leave. He hadn't seen or heard from the brothers since they left for Resembool, and that was several months ago.

None of that seemed to matter in this moment. They were here now, and that's what matters.

"We couldn't miss your birthday, General," Al said as he held out a box to him, "This was the first one that brother and I weren't out on a mission for."

Mustang stared at Al, completely dumbfounded. He rushed over to his calendar. Sure enough, it was the second of October. He had been so swamped with work that he didn't even remember his own birthday.

Ed joined his brother as Mustang sat on the couch across from them.

"You boys didn't have to come here just for that," the General stammered, not really knowing what to say.

"Of course we did," Ed spoke up, "We're never going to be able to fully repay you for everything you've done for us, but visiting you on your birthday seemed like a good place to start."

Again, Al extended the present out to him. Mustang took it.

"Where are you boys staying?" he asked as he started unwrapping it.

Al laughed.

"We ran into Gracia Hughes when we got into Central last night. We were going to stay in a hotel, but she insisted that we stay with her. Brother and I were too scared to tell her no."

Mustang chuckled at this. He didn't blame the Elrics. He would never be able to turn down Gracia Hughes either. He finally finished unwrapping and opened the box, his eyes widening at the sight of its contents.

Inside was an oak wood picture frame. The picture within it was one he never knew had been taken.

His memories flashed back to when he found out Al had his real body back. He had insisted on visiting the younger Elric the second he had the opportunity. He remembered the despair he was feeling of not actually seeing his youngest boy, as his blindness was not yet cured. That didn't mean he wasn't going to visit Al, however.

He remembered Ed guiding him to Al's room, helping him to a chair next to Al's bedside. Ed grabbing his hand, leading it to his brother's. He even remembered gasping as he felt a flesh hand instead of a metal one.

The picture in the frame captured that beautiful moment.

Al was lying in a hospital bed. Mustang was in the chair next to him, holding his hand. Ed was between the two with his hands on both of their shoulders. All three of them were smiling, as that was the most joyous moment the unlikely family had shared together. He didn't even know someone had taken the picture, but he was sure glad someone did.

He looked closer at the frame, noticing the words engraved in it.

Flame Alchemist. Comrade. Leader. Hero. Future Fuhrer of Amestris.

His eyes nearly welled up at the last word he saw on the frame.

Father.

He cleared his throat before speaking.

"This is such a wonderful gift," he said as he lifted the frame. He noticed something else was in the box. "Paperwork?"

Ed and Al shared a look, one filled with both apprehension and hope.

"You both know how much I hate paperwork. Is this a joke?" Mustang teased with a smirk as he set the picture down next to him, picking up the papers. His smirk faded as he actually looked through them. "Are these...adoption papers?"

He looked up at the grinning Elric brothers.

"You've been our dad for a long time now," Ed explained, "Al and I thought you might like to make it official. "

"Everything is filled out, so all you have to do is sign them," Al chimed in.

Mustang bowed his head to hide his face in his hands, not wanting them to see the tears he couldn't stop. The room was silent. Not getting a response was starting to worry Ed.

"Well...uhm...that is...if you want to…." he trailed off awkwardly.

Suddenly, Mustang embraced both of his boys in a hug, having finally composed himself to a degree.

"Edward, Alphonse, I love you both more than you could ever understand. This is the best present I could ever receive, being able to legally call you both my sons. How can you think for a second that I would say anything other than yes?"

Their smiles lit up the room as Mustang sat down at his desk and furiously signed the papers.

"You know that you two are going to have to come to Central more often, and I'm going to have to make more trips out to Resembool, right?" he asked, glancing up from the most important papers he had ever signed.

Ed and Al could only nod. They were too happy for words. When Mustang was done signing, he gestured for them to follow him out of his office.

None of his men looked the slightest bit surprised to see the Elrics. Mustang payed them no mind.

"Hawkeye, cancel any appointments or meetings I had today," he said as he stormed through the outer office.

She smiled, having already done that. The Elrics had called her ahead of time to let her know of their plans. She was beyond happy to help them out.

Mustang stopped and spun around to face his sons.

"Race you to the courthouse?" he asked, quirking his eyebrow in a challenge.

Ed and Al nodded.

The unlikely, little family bolted out of Central Command. The rest of Mustang's men cheered as they followed them.

Roy Mustang was certain that he had never felt true joy until now. Before, he didn't want to have a family until he had accomplished his goal of becoming Fuhrer. Now, he realized he had one the entire time. There was no need to wait. His family built him up. They would always be by his side, as he would always be by theirs.

Their future would only get brighter together.

And there it is. I had so many feelings while writing this chapter. I hope you all liked how it ended. I would like to think if the events of this story and its predecessor had actually occurred before the major events of Brotherhood, the very ending scene would have actually happened (I actually had to look up Mustang's birthday for this, and I was surprised it was the day before and important date we all know).

A huge thank you to everyone who had favorited/followed/reviewed this story. You all have been fantastic and encouraged me so much while writing it!

Also, I would like to make a shout out to my awesome roommate for putting up with me. I bugged her so much while writing these two stories, asking her opinions on ideas and such. I'm blessed to have a roommate just as obsessed with fanfiction as I am.

I had so much fun writing these stories, and I hope you guys had fun reading them! I have several other fanfic ideas, so be on the lookout for new stories and oneshots from me! I will write as often as this semester allows me to.

Until next time,

alightintheshadows