Housework

I realize these chapters aren't as long, but they'll get there. Mostly, I wanted to say thank you for reviewing, it's most encouraging (and complimentary) and I'm a sucker for both. Sillk, you're getting ahead of me! The flashback is already written, but thanks for the suggestion. I'm working on my grammar, my spellcheck is pretty bad, apparently ti is a word, though I've never heard of it. As to Ed's clapping, yes, it is a big deal, but I'm trying to showcase Al as well, I find he's most often forgotten in the bustle around Ed. And I want to use their creativity and sheer natural talent as much as possible. I am rewriting some of the chapters, so I'll try and make it more clear. Thanks for the suggestions! I think that's it for now, here we go.

Second date

Al was determined and nagged his brother until he gave in. The armor suit was thrilled and almost ran down the hall to wake Roy to tell him. They were going to school! He was so excited, Ed kicked him out of the room because he wouldn't stop talking about it.

In the morning, he babbled all through breakfast and their morning run. He asked questions about the school and their classes until Roy had to stop or talk, and Edward wouldn't stop. The older brother was not as excited, but seemed to be ready to try. He was more upset about switching squads, something else Al had talked him into. He could handle it, it was just, different, and he'd just gotten used to his routine.

The Colonel set up exams for two weeks later after escorting the two boys to their new workout area. That had been a hassle. Carter was a small man, stocky but short, only a few inches taller than Edward, and had a loud, carrying voice that always made Roy cringe. The red-head had ousted him as soon as they arrived, claiming he didn't want pansies for sons, now did he? Edward had immediately started edging back towards him but stopped when Carter announced he was probably too tiny to be any good at combat anyways. Roy was chased off to his office after being called a mother hen, with the assurances that James, a young man of about 20, would bring the boys back later.

Lunch then library completed the day, and a new routine was struck for a week. The next Wednesday, Roy was working a bit late when he remembered Mandy. And supper. He had completely forgotten and didn't tell the boys. Dammit, Edward was not going to be happy. Al would just accept it, like he accepted everything else, but Edward... Better call and tell them quickly, before they start supper. And send a car around for the woman, he certainly wasn't driving over to get her.

The phone rang 6 times before Al answered. “Al, how was your day?”

“Colonel! It was great, we found a new book and Sczieska wrote us one from memory, it was so neat! Can I learn how to do that? I'd like to be able to just read books and remember everything, then I wouldn't need notes and”

“Al! Al, you can tell me about it when I get home, alright? I'm bringing home a guest tonight for supper, can you and your brother make spaghetti and that tomato sauce I showed you? And dress nicely, please.”

“Yes, sir! Is it your girlfriend? Is she nice? Will she like us?” Al was curious, Roy hadn't brought anyone other than Maes home, and he didn't count, cause they went to his house too.

“No, she is not my girlfriend, she is just someone I know. Yes, she is nice and she will like you. Now, don't forget to tell your brother. We should be there in an hour.” Roy hoped Al would remember, he was pretty responsible, but could be scatterbrained at times.

“Brother is still at the library, Havoc said he could stay late and I got a ride home with Fuery. Is that ok?” A bit late to ask.

Sigh. “Yes, that's fine, I'll call and have him sent home soon. See you in an hour. Bye.”

“Bye, sir. See you in an hour.” click. Roy let the phone sit for a minute before calling the library and instructing Havoc to take Edward home within half an hour. He was definitely going to have a talk with his subordinates about giving permission for things without asking him first.

Forty-five minutes later, Roy left the office and jogged home. When he turned the corner to his street, he could see the military vehicle in front of his house. Damn, he'd hoped to get home and check everything before she got here. Oh, well, he's just have to hope Al got everything right. He continued down the street at a much more dignified pace and opened the door of the car, assisting Mandy out and escorting her up the walk.

He opened the door and was greeted by yelling and heavy footsteps. “The Colonel's home! Colonel, Colonel, Brother and I want to show you...” The armor skidded to a halt when he saw Roy and Mandy in the doorway. “Sir. I, ah, forgot something, I'll be right back.”

“Alphonse. Come over here.” Al slunk over, standing straight for appraisal. 'At least he's dressed decently.' “I'd like you to meet Mandy, she's the guest I told you about. Why don't you escort her to the living room and I'll be right in.” Roy watched as Al imitated him and offered the woman his arm. She accepted and was led away. 'Now, to find Edward. Kitchen, he's probably in the kitchen.'

The older man moved quickly through the house towards the kitchen, checking as he went. Everything was clean and orderly, but it usually was these days, Al loved housework. Weird. Ah, there was the object of his search. Roy took a minute to look; Ed was in his shorts and favorite tank top, standing on a step stool Roy had gotten him. He hadn't said anything, just bought it and set it under the table, pointing it out to Al. Edward used it often if he thought no one would see him. He was stirring the pasta and watching the sauce. “Edward.” A quick smile was directed at him and he felt his breath hitch. Dammit, no. Do not go there.

“Did Al tell you about our guest?” By the frown, obviously not. “We have a lady guest tonight for supper. You should go get dressed, I'll finish dinner.” The blond hopped off his stool and put it in a cupboard. He scooted out the door, presumably to get something to wear. “Something nice, please!” Roy called after him.

Supper was served as soon as Edward got back, he and his brother setting the table while Roy dished supper into serving bowls. Mandy made polite small talk through most of supper, ignoring the two boys. Edward ate sparingly, casting uncertain looks at the woman and his guardian. Al, as usual sat and watched, keeping unusually quiet, even when Roy tried to encourage him to talk about his day. He finally got him going about the new book Sczieska was writing for them and he started to babble happily. Mandy started to look very bored an finally cut the boy off with some bit about her latest shopping spree. Edward started kicking Roy's chair in annoyance and Roy had to tap him with his foot to make him stop. He suddenly realized Mandy was off on another tangent and was asking him a question.

“I'm sorry, could you repeat that please?” Theblond had distracted him enough that he missed the entire topic change.

“I asked, where will these two live once we're married?” She sounded pretty put out at having to repeat herself.

“Well, with me of course, where els... Wait, married? Who is getting married?” Edward had a horrified look on his face that Roy was pretty sure was on his as well.

Mandy laughed, “Us, of course! And I really can't live with your illegitimate children, especially one who dresses like a girl and another you can't even see. You had your fun, and by all means, you should support them, but I will not live with them.” Roy stared, he wasn't sure what else he was supposed to do.

“These boys live with me, they are my wards, not my children. Edward dressing like a girl was a mistake, on my part, and Al is none of your business. And I do not recall asking you to live with them.” Roy's voice had chilled a few degrees.

“But, isn't that why you asked me to supper? To meet your children? Everyone knows you never bring dates home, you rarely even ask someone out for a second date. I assumed” Her face was getting a bit red now.

“Obviously in error. I have no intention of marrying anyone, especially to someone who will not accept my wards as part of the package. I believe supper is over.” Roy knew he was being rude now, but he didn't really care. “The car is waiting out front to take you home. Thank you for coming.” He escorted her to the door firmly with a hand on her elbow.

“You won't find anyone to take those boys for you. Everyone knows exactly who they are, even if you insist on calling them your 'wards.' They should be with their mother, whoever she is.” Mandy was down right pissed now, how dare he rebuke her generous offer, no one else would be as kind. She was even willing to let him see them sometimes, at least until their children were born. Roy firmly nudged her out the door and shut it behind her.

He heard her stomp off the step and the car door slam. He pressed his head against the door, letting the cool wood ease some of his headache. Metal feet rubbing on wood told him the boys were behind him. “I'm sorry, I didn't realize she would be like that. I didn't ask her to marry me or give her any sign that I would.”

“Yes, sir.” Al sounded worried. “Sir? Are you going to get married? Are we...in the way?” His toe rubbed the floor, making a soft scratching noise.

“No, Al, you are not in the way, nor is your brother. I don't know if I will get married, not to anyone who doesn't love you too. I guess I'll just have to be a bit more discriminating when choosing dates from now on. And I won't bring anymore home unless I know they will be nice.” Roy turned to find the blond brother very close to him, staring up. Little hands reached out and he took them, hugging the slim body to his. He reached out a hand to Al and hugged him as well. “You know, when we're at home, you can call me Roy, you don't have to say sir or Colonel all the time. Though it is nice sometimes.”

“Yes, sir.” Roy tapped him on the nose, “Roy.” He got an extra hug from both before they pulled away. “Can we practice arrays? We haven't done that for a few days.”

“Of course we may. Shall we go to the backyard?” Thankfully, Roy had filled out a list of challenges a couple of days ago and had lots of ideas. One of which was to change what was in a bottle without actually opening the bottle. That was Fuery's contribution and he hoped that would keep them busy for a few days, at least. An hour later, Edward managed orange juice from apple juice with Al finishing the design minutes later to change it back.