brokenbrothers

It's been around a month since the first time Ed had ventured out to spend time outside, so he's doing it again.

He settled himself under the same tree he sat under as last time, skipping sitting in the sun since he expected it to end the same way as last time. This time, he didn't have a book with him, but he did have a bottle of water so he'd have something to drink since it was even hotter than the last time. Also with him, was his Gate Cat, as usual.

He's not as twitchy as the first time about being out and about, although it'll still take time for him to become entirely comfortable out and about on the grounds.

brokenbrothers

It's June and there's an Edward in the gardens. Which isn't unusual in and of itself, aside from which Edward this is. He's finally been worn down enough to agree to go outside on his own while his brother's at work.

He originally spent some time on a bench in the sun, but started feeling sick after awhile and moved to under a tree. He's now sitting on the ground with his back against the trunk so that there would be one fewer direction for him to watch for people approaching him from. He has the Gate Cat with him as usual and a book for in case he settles enough to actually be able to read.

haganenomore

Sometime later in the day, after Alphonse had gotten home and had time to unwind from his day, he and Edward went over to the office.

Ed was the one to knock on the door and open it. "Hi. Uh, I took the time to talk to Al about what had been bugging me and your offer."

haganenomore

This being the first day with Spring-like temperatures, Ed can be found outside laying on a garden bench; hands behind his head, fingers inter-laced and staring up at the sky.

Things had started creeping in for him to wonder about, hence him being outside to think. With him was Maes curled up on his stomach to sleep.

brokenbrothers

Ed hugged a book to his chest outside the door to the office. A couple hours after Al had left for work, he decided to take up the landlord's offer to hang out in the office to reduce loneliness. His shoulders were tensed because he didn't really like being outside. But he had to go out to get to the office.

He looked down at the Gate Cat that followed him everywhere, before hesitantly knocking on the door. He wasn't entirely sure he wanted to do this, although he knew it was better for him than staying in the apartment. One step at a time.

brokenbrothers

After a few days of answering questions as people thought of them and organizing a day and time that would be best for everyone, it was finally time for the Gate to be summoned.

The Hughes' sent their daughter to one of her friends for a sleepover to keep her out from underfoot and Roy and Riza arrived within the appointed time for their part of things.

Meanwhile, in the Elric's apartment, Winry was also present and was where the initial summoning was going to occur.

"You ready to do this, Brother?" Al asked quietly, petting the Gate Cat.

Ed gave his brother a weak smile and shook his head. "Not really, but I dunno when I'd ever really be ready for this."

"All right." Now Al looked at Winry. "How about you?"

"I'm fine. A little nervous, but nothing more than that," she assured him.

"All right." Al settled his gaze on the cat. "Could you please call them for us?"

brokenbrothers

Some time after the talent show, Al decided to pay a visit to his landlord both to bring up giving his brother's alternate permission to know the code along with bringing up something else. May as well get multiple things accomplished in one trip.

When he got to the door of the office, he knocked to let Edward know he was there, and then quickly went in to get away from the cold, closing the door behind him. "Brr. Cold out there."

haganenomore

A question had started to present itself to Ed's mind that he finally got curious enough about the answer to to look for one. While he knew that his father would have the answer, he did remember that Envy needed to learn to deal with people better. And considering that the last time they really had any sort of conversation was the party at the beginning of the year, it was probably past time to reach out to him again.

Decision made, Ed ambled over to the second apartment building, checked to see what apartment Envy was actually in that was more specific than 'the third floor', and headed up.

When he reached the door, he paused a moment to brace himself for the probable inevitable cracks about his height, and knocked.

brokenbrothers

Al had been thinking about certain things off and on, mostly prompted by the Gate Cat still hanging around the apartment, and the recent visit by Winry has solidified things in his mind.

Although first, before he starts making decisions, he wants to information gather. Along with passing on some information that he told his brother that he would.

Which is why he's now at the front door of apartment 3/4, knocking on it.