"What did you want to know?"

He asks a variety of questions. How they knew something was up. Timeline. How El killed Tucker - she's claimed it was spontaneous, but alchemy often requires preparation...?

She has a bracelet with an basic circle engraved on the outside, and a different one on the inside. She got the idea from her mother.

He nods, seriously.

"A good approach that." He hums. "Well! I see no reason to risk a black mark on the record of fine young alchemists such as yourselves. I'll let them know not to bother with any charges, and of course I'll let your mother have custody of young September here."

"That's very generous."

He waves a hand. "Oh, not at all. Quite frankly you saved the military some trouble. I'm sure you'll grow up to be a credit you your country, young ladies."

He stands. "Unfortunately, I'm quite busy, and must be off soon. Are you three comfortable here?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Then I'll be off. Good luck, girls."

And he leaves.

That was bracing. Can't quite breathe out yet with the rest of the military still around.

They're allowed to just stay shut in the sitting room.

Hughes comes in thirty minutes later. "People've left. I got Tucker's journals back, so I can make sure they make it to Major Curtis." He breathes out. "Also: the Fuhrer. That was nerve wracking. You girls okay?"

"More or less. He said there wouldn't be any charges."

"Yeah. Told me that, too. Makes me wonder what he wants, but... No trial is good, at least."

"Provisionally. Depends what he wants for it."

"We'll count our blessings while we watch for the other shoe to drop, then."

"Yeah."

"Do you want me to head out?"

"I think we like some time alone. Thank you."

He nods, lets them know to call him if they need anything, and leaves.

El sighs, and leans back into Bellona.

Hug. So much hug.

"At least Akira'll be back soon."

"Yeah. She'll know what to do. And she'll help September..."

"Yeah."

Aggressive cuddle.

Bellona's not going to be the one to move (September might be, she's having to shift a lot, and is apparently testing if moving helps the pain).

El will get hungry eventually, if nothing else.