Phases of Love

CHAPTER 10

    I didn’t really know where I was, but I could hear a rhythmic beep in the distance. I felt needles pierce my skin, and their sweet injections took away my ailments. It just fades in and out for a while, but then I heard his voice. He called to me in the darkness, and then Alphonse joined in with the beckoning. I couldn’t resist the call. The two men dearest to me in my life were calling to me, and I had to join them. Without a thought as to where I was or what I would need to deal with, I opened my eyes in a rush to see them for the first time in a long time.

    My eyes wouldn’t completely open at first, so they fluttered for a while. Similar to when your eyes matt together through sleep. I finally managed them open, and there he was. Roy was standing in front of a window, so he was beautifully silhouetted in the early morning sun. I reached out to touch his form, and then a hand was placed upon my left hand.

    “Welcome back, Brother.” Al said with a smile.

    “Tha-” I could only choke out a part of ‘Thank you.’ My throat was so dry and sore.

    “Don’t talk, Ed. You need plenty of rest after your whole ordeal. I’m going to call for a nurse since you’re away.” Roy said sweetly.

    I couldn’t believe my ears. Roy Mustang was actually being somewhat nice. I looked him over, and I noticed that he looked very sleep-deprived…and his eyes were swollen. Had he been crying over me? As much as I wanted this to be fact, I couldn’t bring myself to think he had cared so deeply for me.

    “Brother, we have so much to tell you! But I guess it will have to wait until you’re all better, huh?” Alphonse said.

    I nodded in response.

    A nurse, followed by a doctor, came into the room. “Okay, Roy, Alphonse, we need some space to check Edward’s health. Go into the waiting room, and I’ll retrieve you when we’re finished.” She smiled.

    They both nodded and left me in the care of the medical staff.

    I answered the awkward questions thrown at me, but my mind was in the waiting room with Roy. I noticed the wedding ring on Al’s finger, so I deduced Winry and he were married. Now I know Al and Winry will be taken care of forever, which puts my mind at ease. I need to pursue my own dreams now that Al is fine…but breaking the news to Roy won’t be an easy task. His age is a huge factor in this equation as well as his own marital status with Hawkeye. It seems like a lost cause, but I have to try.

    The nurse smiled to me, “Looks like your recovery was a speedy one. We’re going to move you into a regular patient room, and if you look better in the morning, you’re free to go home. Of course you’ll be under strict orders, but it will be nice to get out of this hospital, right?”

    I nodded.

    She and the doctor helped me into a wheelchair and wheeled me into a different room. This room seemed like an upgrade from the last because of its space and view. I could see the courtyard from here, which was very lovely. I situated myself into my new bed and ate promptly. I had three large cups of water to accommodate my missing I.V.

    “Edward,” the nurse peaked her head in the door. “Roy and Al want to see you, is this all right?”

    I nodded. “Yeah.” My voice was barely audible.

    “Don’t push yourself, Ed.” Roy’s unmistakable voice played into my ears. It was enough to make me melt.

    He and Alphonse walked in, accompanied by Winry.

    “We found her outside in the lobby, heh, I guess she really didn’t want to leave you, Ed.” Alphonse said with a smile. He wrapped an arm around her waist.

    I was right in thinking they were married, because Winry had a matching ring on her finger.

    “Edward, I’m so glad you’re all right. The nurse said you could come home tomorrow, so you can stay with Al and me. That is, if you would like.” She said softly. Her voice sounded warm.

    I smiled.

    Roy said, “Or you could stay with me for a few days. I’m closer to the hospital just in case of an emergency, and I have some extra time on my hands. What do you say, Ed?”

    I blushed and nodded.

    “Well, Ed, which is it?” Al asked again.

    I pointed to Roy, because it may be my only chance to win him over.

    Al smiled, “I should have guessed. Well, Winry and I are going to our house…err, Granny’s house. Just call us if you need anything.”

    I tried very hard to squeak out, “I know you’re married, Al.”

    It was his turn to blush, “No! I-I mean, not yet, I, uh, umm, we’re engaged, Ed.”

    Winry giggled, “Yeah, we’re gonna get married when you’re better, so you can be there. It would be right if a big brother missed his little brother’s wedding, would it?”

    I smiled and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

    Roy walked over and patted my back, “I thought I told you to take it easy.” He reclined me back so I was lying down, but propped up enough to see everyone.

    Al smirked, “Well, we’re going home. Call Granny to get our number, because we don’t know it yet.” He sighed at the last bit.

    Winry walked over and kissed my cheek, “Bye Ed, I hope you get better soon.”

    I smiled.

    Al walked over and hugged me as best as he could, “Take care of yourself, and call us when you’re better.”

    I gave him a thumb’s up, and watched them walk out of the room.

    I turned my head and found Roy sitting in a chair next to the window. He was reading my novel.

    “You know, Ed, no matter how many times I read this it never bores me. It seems like it gets better the more I read it.” He smiled at me.

    I looked away quickly so that he didn’t see my blushing face.

    He placed the book on the small desk next to my bed and moved the chair closer to me. I looked over to him, and in the glorious setting sun, I saw the most beautiful human in existence. Roy moved his chair very close to my bed and he held my hand in his. I looked into his eyes, and they were looking into mine. He smiled at me, and I began to thank the nurses subconsciously because they took my heart monitor away.

    “Ed, I’ve been wanting to ask you something for a long time, but I’m afraid of what the answer might be.” He quoted from my book.

    I blushed and smiled at the same time, but he cut me off before I could speak.

    “I’ll ask you when all of your strength has returned.”

    The same nurse peaked in again, “Roy, visiting hours are over in 15 minutes, okay? You can come back and pick Edward up tomorrow if he is going with you.” She winked and closed the door.

    “I guess it’s time for me to leave now. I’ll be back at 10:00 am sharp to pick you up. Have a good sleep tonight, okay?” He patted my hand once more and walked out of the door, looking back on me once before closing it all the way.

    I looked up at the ceiling and thought to myself, ‘What on earth will I do now? I’m not ready for this yet. I’m so confused, and I have no time to think about this by myself.’

    I rolled over so that I was facing Roy’s chair. I closed my eyes and thought myself into much needed slumber.