Housework

Ok, I know it's been a bit, but I just got my second job, so I have almost no access to a computer. The good news is, I have lots of time to write, and will have time to type on Sat. So, lots of fun then. Until that happens, please be appeased with this one. I will also respond to comments in the next chapter. I think.

Upgrading

Edward slept the entire way home, only starting to wake when the lights came on in the hall. He immediately wiggled to be let down and Al set him on his feet. He stood, staring at Roy. “Is something wrong? I thought you'd want to come home.” Edward shuffled a bit, then whispered to his brother.

“He thought maybe you didn't want us anymore and had given us to the Hughes'. He said they wanted to adopt him when they thought he was a girl and that you'd left us there. That's not true, is it sir?”

“I didn't realize you'd heard their offer. Yes, they did offer to take you in, but I wanted to keep you both. I wouldn't just leave you somewhere, I'll always come back to get you. This is your home, you belong here, with me. So no more thinking like that, alright? Now, it's getting pretty late, and Al wanted to go for a run in the morning, do you?” Edward nodded eagerly. “Good, then go to bed. I'll see you in the morning.” Roy started turning out lights and working his way to his room, shooing the two in front of him.

In the morning, the three ran for an hour before Roy left for work. He dropped the two off with Rose, who said he wanted to speak with the Colonel later. After lunch, the boys headed for the library, passing Rose on his way in.

“What can I do for you, Drill Sergeant? Nothing strenuous I hope.” A smirk played at the edge of Roy's mouth.

Rose laughed, “No, no. I wanted to talk about moving the boys to another group. They already had the basics when I got them, and they're already passing my best students. Once Edward gets back in shape, and he's still got a ways to go yet, but he's progressing fast, they'll easily take over the group. I'd like to move them to an older, more advanced group. They'll have to work harder, but they'll learn a lot more.”

“Have you spoken to them about this yet?” Roy leaned forward, frowning slightly. A more advanced group might be a good thing, but maybe they should stay with people closer to their own age.

“No, I wanted to speak with you first. The only problem I foresee with the new group would be that they would have to spar with new people, not just each other. Do you think Edward would be able to handle it?”

“I have no idea, I'll ask him. We'll discuss it tonight. Can I call you tomorrow and let you know?”

“Certainly, I'll be waiting.” Rose saluted and turned to leave when Roy saluted back. He held the door for Hawkeye as she entered, carrying papers and coffee. She nodded her thanks and handed the drink to Roy. He felt obligated to take the pen that was in that hand as well and was rewarded with a smile.

“If you see the boys, please tell them I need to talk to them.” Roy pushed a piece of paper around with the tip of his pen.

“Certainly, sir.” She watched until he signed it, then removed the offending paper and left the room, closing him in by himself. Hmph. Nothing to do. He scribbled randomly on the files for a bit, then got a new piece of paper and drew himself a picture. Those two were definitely rubbing off on him.

Supper started relatively smoothly, but Edward decided to sit right next to Roy, which sent off alarms immediately. Edward liked to sit on the far side of the table and have lots of room. Roy was alert and managed to defend his plate from the vegetables that tried to sneak onto it. Edward had decided he couldn't possibly eat beans or peas, but should definitely try and push them onto Roy's plate. When that didn't work, he tried to hide them under a napkin. Al put them back on his plate, stating that if he didn't eat them, he wouldn't grow. That started a whole new argument, complete with an alchemized tablecloth grabbing Al and food all over the floor. They were very sorry afterwards and cleaned it up quickly, but it was too late.

Roy already had a headache and retreated to the living room. They crept in and sat on the couch, reading quietly. After a few minutes, Edward stood and walked over to stand in front of Roy's chair. Roy looked up, now what? “Yes, Edward?” The boy motioned towards Roy's head. “Yes, I do have a headache.” A soft, frustrated noise and more hand waving followed.

“I don't think the Colonel would like that, Brother. He said..” Al's voice faded when Edward glared at him. “Fine. Colonel? Would you like Brother to make your headache go away? He learned how a few years ago.”

Roy frowned lightly, what did he want to do? “Well, alright. If you think you can make it better, Edward, go ahead.” Edward grabbed the book and put it on the coffee table. He climbed into Roy's lap and settled himself sideways. “Edward, I don't think....” Mmm, nice. The blond's hands were rubbing smooth little circles at his temples and Roy could feel his headache retreating rapidly.

Unfortunately, something else was rising rapidly from the squirming in his lap. “Edward, that's enough. Off you go.” Roy tried to push the boy off without letting him feel his erection, but he wasn't quick enough. Edward's eyes widened and he hopped off and scrambled for the couch. He stared back at Roy with a horrified expression, then straightened his shoulders and whispered to his brother.

“No, I'm not asking him that.” Edward punched him, “Especially not now.” More whispering and a few quick punches. “Colonel, Brother says he is sorry and would you like for him to take care of it for you?” The echoing voice sounded absolutely humiliated to have to ask such a thing.

The dark haired man sighed. “I thought we settled that? No, I do not want him to take care of it for me. You know, sometimes men's bodies just react, it's what they're made for. It's not a big deal, you'll both get to deal with it when you're older. Just because your body says something, doesn't mean you have to listen, understand?” They both nodded, Edward turning as red as he could. He waved at his guardian, motioning towards his lap, then pointing at himself. “It's not your fault, Edward. It's not a big deal, don't worry about it. Go ahead and read some more.” He picked up his book and continued reading.

An hour later, Roy was done. “Do you two want to play chess?” Eager nods greeted his offer and he retrieved the board and set it up. He took one side and set the two on the other. Time to see if they had learned anything. The first time took 15 minutes to beat them. The second took longer, but Al didn't listen to his brother at all, which started a pouting session, so Roy ended it there.

“Rose came to see me today about you two.” Might as well talk about this, see what they think.

“We didn't mean to! We just got a little carried away, cause we were having fun. We really didn't mean to break it, and we fixed it right up! He said he wasn't mad.” Al sounded very apologetic, as usual. Ed just stuck his nose in the air and crossed his arms.

“What? What did you break?” Roy could feel his headache coming back. The two looked at him, then at each other.

“If he didn't tell you, I'm not going to either. Unless you make me, but I'd really rather not.” Al obviously needed to learn to keep his mouth shut sometimes. Roy's head pounded.

“Alright, fine. Don't tell me. I'll talk to him tomorrow anyways. He wanted to talk about moving you to a different group. Not because you did anything wrong, but because he feels you have a lot of potential and he would like you to have a chance to develop it. It's an older, more advanced group, and you'd have to work with other partners, not just each other. Al, do you have a problem with that?”

“No sir. But Brother...” Al was looking between them, trying to decide what to do.

“Be patient. Edward, is that a problem? You can stay where you are if you want. It's up to you.” Roy sat back, leaning on the chair. Edward just looked at him, confusion on his face. “Why don't you think about it overnight and tell me in the morning. Another thing I wanted to discuss with you was school. How much schooling have you had?”

Al thought, “I don't know, a couple of years. Mom taught us at home, then we went for a year before she died and a year after.”

“I think I'm going to have you take the entrance exams for the academy. You should be in school, and I'd like for you to take ethics and writing. Both of your handwriting is atrocious. There are some morning classes and you can still spend the afternoons in the library. The exams will place you at your own level, probably about the same, so you can be together for those classes. I'd also like for each of you to choose one class, separate from each other. I know you want to be together, but some time apart would be alright too.”

Edward was already shaking his head, but Al was considering it. After all, they spend every moment of every day together, maybe an hour away would be ok. And he knew his brother would NOT want to take anything fun, like pottery or art classes or music lessons.

“I'm going to bed now, you two think about it. Good night.” He stood, stretched, and headed for the door. “Go to bed soon and turn out the lights.”