Chimera

I realize it's a generic topic, Ed the cat, but I thought I'd try and move it around a little. Hopefully you'll enjoy it. Thank you for reading.

Warning: Yaoi, eventual sex (yay), and cuteness

Disclaimer: Do not own Roy, Ed, Al, or anything else even remotely ressembling FMA.

Chimera

Roy stalked down the hall toward the Elric dorm. Three days, and he still hadn't shown up, the little brat. Granted, Al had called and said he was sick, but this was getting to be a regular thing. The alchemist knocked briskly and heard heavy steps moving towards the door.

“Who is it?” The door remained closed. “Brother is sick today, please come back tomorrow.”

“Alphonse, open the door.” Roy's voice rang with authority and annoyance. “He's been sick every month this year, I wish to see him.”

“Colonel, sir, he's really sick and doesn't want anyone here. He'll come in tomorrow, I promise. He'll be ok, it's just a cold.” The door was still closed and Roy tried the handle. Locked.

“Al, open the door. That is an order.” The lock turned and the door cracked open to show a sliver of armor.

“Colonel, please, he needs to rest. He's sick, tired and grumpy.” The younger brother didn't move out of the way, using his body to block the door. Roy pushed forward, refusing to let the larger body intimidate him. Al moved back when he was pushed, afraid of hurting the older man.

A small lump was visible under a big pile of blankets. “Fullmetal, are you awake?” A low grunt was his only response. “Get out of there, I wish to speak with you.” The small lump buried deeper and cocooned itself more firmly. Roy stalked over and grabbed the blanket and tried to pull it away but the boy was amazingly strong and clung.

Al put his hand on the Colonel's arm and tugged him gently away. “Please go, he'll be better tomorrow.” Roy eyed him and turned to the door then twisted quickly and grabbed the blanket, catching both boys by surprise. He yanked firmly, getting almost all of it away, leaving only the blond head covered. Before Al could catch him, he reached over and pushed on Ed's back, trying to dislodge him.

A low growl seeped around the blanket and Roy froze. It was strangely animal like, deep and vaguely threatening. Al grabbed him and tried to push him to the door. “You have to go, please, you have to leave.” Roy's eyes were glued to the bed as Ed's head popped out of the blanket and the slim body moved towards him fluidly. His breath started coming faster and he dug in his heels in curiosity. What the hell?

Small gold ears were perched delicately on Ed's head, turned towards the invader, and he moved like warm honey, smooth and fast. Soft growling followed him as he flowed toward Roy, sliding up beside him and around him, sniffing and rubbing his nose against his neck, standing on tiptoe to nuzzle behind his ear. The older man could feel Al's armor shaking and hear him whispering. “Don't move, just stay still.” The suit of armor moved a few feet away and called quietly, “Ed, come here. Here Ed, come see me.” His hands waved, trying to entice the cat-boy to him but he was ignored.

Edward slid against Roy, rubbing his cheek on his chest, brushing their sides together. Al eyed them and gave instructions. “Try to pet him, move slowly and just rub his back a little. See what he does, I think he'll tolerate you.” Roy moved his hand carefully, feeling Ed's gaze on it, and rubbed softly, sliding his hand against the slim back. It arched and rubbed back, the slim body pressing closer, loud purring taking the place of the growling. “Good. Try to get him back to the bed, please.” The dark haired man moved forward a bit and Ed followed, staying close to the gentle hand. The older alchemist sat and was promptly climbed on, the boy straddling his hips and pressing close, nestling his head on the slim shoulder. “Just keep petting, he'll go to sleep in a minute.” Soon, deep breathing replaced the purring and Roy sat with a lap full of boy, rubbing gently and trying to figure out what exactly had happened.

“Al, what is going on? How long has he been like this?” Al sat on the floor by his feet and looked at his hands.

“He's always been this way. Father, did some, experiments, and Ed was one of them. His own son. He was trying to make a chimera that could shift it's form at will, but it didn't work so well; Brother can't control it. Ed changes like this once a month, every 27-33 days, for four days. It's gotten worse in the past few years, he's more volatile, tolerates less, behaves differently, more cat-like. He doesn't remember a lot of people when he's like this, but can get attached easily. Remember last year, when he followed Major Hughes around all day? You guys all thought he wanted information, but really, Hughes touched him as he was starting to change and he just wanted to be with him. Keeping him at home was really hard that time. Right now, he'll want to be with you until it's over. He mostly remembers me, but sometimes he forgets everything, who he is, who I am, where we are.” His voice was low and his pain reached out like a physical force.

“Al, that doesn't make sense, how can he still perform alchemy? Only humans can do it.” Roy was truly confused, everyone knew animals couldn't do alchemy.

“I'm not sure, I think his ability is weaker because of it, but his body is stronger. Faster. Heals quickly. He's mostly human, it's just these few days that he's, different. And he can only do a little alchemy right now, but he'll be back tomorrow. Do you want to see? We can wake him up, if you want.” He reached up to push on Ed's side but Roy stopped him.

“No, that's fine. Will he remember this? Me being here, I mean.”

“Oh, yes, he remembers everything once it's over. I think his brain changes a little and he just has a hard time processing all the information his senses send him, so he blocks some things out. It seem to be random, what's missing and what stays, it changes frequently. I've been working on a theory for years, but I can't figure out a way to put him back. He says he doesn't mind, and it is useful sometimes, but this, these days are stressful, for both of us.

Roy thought for a minute, 'He can still perform strong alchemy, even as a chimera, what would he have been like before?' He shuddered to himself. 'No wonder he doesn't let people touch him often, if he gets attached like Al says, he could end up following anyone home.' “Al? You said something about him tolerating me. Does he not accept everyone?”

Al sighed, “No. In the last few years, he's been more picky about who he allows near him. A guy touched him a few months ago and he went ballistic, beat him up pretty badly.” Oh. Roy remembered that one, Fullmetal had blown him off when he questioned him on it, using his usual attitude to get out of explaining.

“Now that he's attached to me, what would happen if I left?” This was strange, another odd, unbelievable, thing about the Elrics. “And what about you? Are you like this too?”

“No, Mom found out and stopped him. I think she made him leave, he was gone soon after. Brother told me, I was pretty small, only one or two. If you leave, he'll get upset, make lots of noise, and generally be a pain because he'll miss you. It won't hurt him, it's just inconvenient. We try to stay here, where no one comes too close. I bring him food and read to him mostly, he likes to sleep and sit with me. I think he tolerates my touch because I'm cold, it's relaxing for him. He can't really explain it, so we both just learn as we go.” Al looked up at him, “Won't you stay for awhile? Please? It makes him feel better and he's sleeping so well.” They both looked at the little form still curled around Roy's chest, snoring softly.

“Alright, I'll stay. Do you have supper? I was on the way home when I stopped.” Roy started shrugging out of his coat and tossed it to a chair by the bed.

“Um, not really, I mostly just give him canned fish or pieces of chicken.” Al stood, “I was going shopping tomorrow, while he was at the office.”

“Ah, can you go get something from the deli? Take my wallet, it's in my coat pocket. I'll stay here with him.” He shuffled himself back to rest against the headboard and wiggled the boneless boy into a more comfortable position. Al nodded and picked up the coat, carrying it to the hangers by the door before leaving quietly. “Well, Ed, this is different. You're all agreeable and pleasant; shame it won't last, hmm?”

The boy shifted slightly, curling more tightly around him. Roy grinned a bit and rubbed the ears gently. They were soft and silky, twitching under his attentions. He turned his head to look more closely at the face beside his, looking for more changes and met bright yellow eyes. They were staring at him, almost predatory, a bit unnerving really. “Awake are you? Want to eat something?” The eyes narrowed and the head butted firmly against his hand, the slim body rubbing demandingly against his. “Edward, be nice. I'll pet you but you have to behave.” A soft growl was his answer and nails dug into his shoulder. “Alright, I'm getting up now.” Roy tried to push him off but couldn't move. Strong hands had clamped down on his and a heavy body pressed him into the mattress. “Edward.” He stopped, the boy ground against him and he could feel the erection pressing against his thigh.

“More.” One of his hands was moved to the top of the blond head and released. “More.” The boy demanded and rubbed, twisting his head to try and press against the hand laying there.

Ears, bet it was the ears. Roy rubbed one gently, then more firmly, listening to the changes in breathing, faster, more shallow. He dragged his nails along the tip and Ed bucked. Roy tugged his other hand free and rubbed the firm stomach lightly, sliding down. Best to finish it quickly, it would be less embarrassing when Edward remembered. He slipped his hand into the loose pants, wrapping firmly around the swollen flesh. His other hand cupped an ear and pushed firmly down as he dragged up on the hard length. It was enough; the slim body bucked and a ragged scream burst from the smooth lips. Roy's hand was wet and warm and he held the softening length for a minute until the breathing had calmed a little.

He removed his hand and tried to get up to go get a towel but was pounced on and pinned. Plan B then. He pulled the tank top over Ed' head and used it to clean them both. They settled, Ed on top, cuddling deeply into Roy's arms, nuzzling his neck, licking at it. Roy petted him absently, thinking about the entire situation. He had just given Edward Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist, fifteen year old boy, a hand job. And liked it, as evidenced by his own uncomfortable groin. He was definitely in trouble.

Half an hour later, Al came running back. “Sir! I forgot to tell you, don't touch his ears! He gets excited if you do and” He stopped, taking in the scene. Roy was asleep, Ed sprawled on top of him wearing only his pants, dirty tank top on the floor. “Oops.” He headed for the kitchen, hoping if he made something particularly good, the Colonel wouldn't be too angry. At least, it always worked on his brother.

Ed roused himself enough to wander to the kitchen and sit on the floor, eating chicken pieces while watching his brother cook. He situated himself where he could see the bedroom and waited for Roy to get up. When he finally did, he was lavished with attention, rubbing against his legs, crawling into his lap, offered some chicken. Ed was gently forced onto a chair beside him and Al served supper. Roy ended up sharing half of it with the blond; he wouldn't stay away from his plate, demanding bits of fish and cheese. Al apologized profusely and tried to remove the pest but was growled at and scratched for his trouble. The oldest alchemist waved him off and patted Ed's back, allowing him to steal another piece of fish.

“Al? Are you going to be alright tonight? Would you prefer if I stayed?” He wasn't sure what made him offer, it just seemed right to do so.

“Oh, would you mind? I can handle him, but it's so much easier with someone else to help.” Al was eager for assistance, he'd been on his own with this for four years and it was wearing.

“Of course, I'm happy to help. Will he be back to normal in the morning?”

“He should be. Usually by the time I go to get him up for work, he's back. Thank you very much, sir. We really appreciate your help. And, ah, about earlier, I'm really sorry, I completely forgot and” A bright blush could be heard in the thin voice.

Roy cut him off, “It's fine, no harm done. I'll just remember in the future.” He waved off any further comment. “Can you go out to the car and get my bag? There are a few books I'd like to keep reading. Is there a spare bed?” Somehow, he doubted it, the military dorms weren't exactly high class.

“No. You can have mine, it's bigger. I'll just stay out here tonight.” Edward shook his head. “Yes, Brother, you two will need more room, your bed is too small. I'll read that book we got today. I don't mind.” Al patted him on the head, careful to avoid the ears.

“How much does he understand? And he spoke, it doesn't seem to affect his body's abilities much.” Roy watched the interplay, so normal in such abnormal circumstances.

“Usually he understands almost everything, if it's complicated, he might not get it all. And no, it doesn't seem to affect his body much other than the ears and tail, they come and go. His eyes are more yellow, that's what I watch for first. Everything else stays pretty much the same. He has some control of his behavior, but it's hard to fight the instincts, so he normally just goes with them. It's easier for both of us.” Roy raised an eyebrow, 'Tail? I didn't see a tail.' He glanced at the blond beside him and decided to leave it alone.

He stood and was immediately dancing around the blond who clutched at him. “I'll clean up, why don't you get that bag and we can settle for the night. It's getting late and I have to leave early tomorrow to change.” He rubbed Ed's back and picked up the dishes with his other hand. At the sink, the blond sat by his feet, staying well away from the water. Roy grinned down at him and flicked a few drops. He was promptly growled at and the boy stalked off to lay on the couch and glare at him. Once the dishes were drying, he walked over and stood over the boy, meeting the yellow eyes. “Well? Are you still mad?” The ears flicked at him, showing some interest. “Would you like me to sit with you? If you move, I will.” Another flick, then he rolled into a ball and sprawled in Roy's lap when he sat. Al found them like that, Ed purring like crazy, rolling in Roy's lap while the older man rubbed his back and stomach, scratching lightly.

“He really likes you like this. He's not usually like that with anyone, even people he's attached himself to. He's not even like this with me.” Ed opened his eyes and gazed at his brother, reaching out lazily. Al patted his hand. “It's ok, I'm glad you like the Colonel today. It's nice to have someone visit, isn't it?” The blond head moved slowly up and down, rubbing his cheek against Roy's stomach.

“I'm glad I can help, Al.” The older alchemist shifted and shoved gently until Ed was on the couch beside him. He took his bag and started walking. “Come on Edward, time for bed. Good night, Al.” The cat boy followed closely, stepping on his heels a few times on the way to the bedroom. “Find some pajamas and change.” When Ed just looked at him, he snorted, “I know you understand me, now get going. You are not sleeping with me in dirty pants.” The boy grinned at him and quickly changed, leaving his dirty clothes on the floor. Roy stripped down to his undershirt but decided to leave his uniform pants on.

He sat on the bed and bounced a bit to test it. Ed immediately jumped on the moving blanket, grabbing it and pulling. Roy grabbed it back quickly, turning it into a game of tug-of-war. Ed finally laughed delightedly and gave up his side only to jump into Roy's lap and curl around his waist. “Come on, give me some room here. Once I'm settled, you can cuddle all you want.” He maneuvered himself into a comfortable position for reading and let the blond crawl over him to lay against his side. A slim arm spanned his waist and Roy tensed but nothing happened except purring and a nose to the side. After reading a few chapters, he found he couldn't focus and put the book down. He wiggled down until he was laying on his back, Ed's head on his shoulder. “I sincerely hope you don't kill me in the morning.” he whispered before closing his eyes.