Housework

I don't know when I got into the habit of three word titles, but I seem to have started and they work nicely. Nothing else, as always, thank you for reading, and especially for reviewing, I appreciate your efforts and I'm so glad that you like mine. As promised, new chapters on Sat.

Professors and Talking

The exams went about as Roy expected, with both boys scoring at college level in biology, math, physics, and comprehension, both oral and written. Edward scored highly in scientific history but, despite his extensive vocabulary, failed the language section due to poor writing and refusing to speak. Al, on the other hand, did surprisingly well, his only weak spot being his writing skills.

They were both placed in the 12 year old class, with the assurance that they would be moved as they improved. The blond brother chose a history class while the taller chose a horticulture class; there was a shortage of arts in the military academy. Including ethics, which Roy insisted they take, the two were done by noon and back in time for lunch. The first two weeks went relatively smoothly, a few fights, but it was to be expected of two different boys placed in a generally male environment. Their guardian chose to allow it to continue, not interfering unless asked. Otherwise, Carter burned enough energy to keep them down until lunch, research captured their attention in the afternoons, and Roy ran with them in the evenings before settling into their usual routine of reading, chess, and studying.

The third week began rather poorly. Roy received confirmation of their arrival at school and was dawdling his way through reports when a worried-looking Hawkeye called him to the phone. “Colonel Mustang here.”

“Colonel Roy Mustang?” An even voice questioned him through the receiver.

“Yes.” Never a good sign.

“You are the guardian of Edward and Alphonse Elric?” Well, damn. He knew it couldn't last.

“Whatever they broke, they can fix.”

“It's more complicated than that. I believe you need to come down here.” Sigh.

“I'll be there in an hour.”

“The sooner the better, sir.” He hung up sharply.

“Havoc, we're leaving for the academy immediately. Hawkeye, I want everything that is due today packed and in the car by the time we leave. I won't be returning to the office. Now, gloves, gloves, where did I put those?” He was patting his pockets, sliding his fingers into each one.

“Right here, sir.” Hawkeye pulled them out of her desk. Oh, right. She'd taken them when he got caught burning things in his office.

“Good, good, let's go.” The two men left five minutes later. The Dean met them at the doors and directed them to a classroom on the second floor. Al was sitting with his back against the door, his head back, talking away.

Roy waved him away and tried the door. Locked of course. “Al, open it.”

“He just pushed me out and locks it again.” Al looked at his hands.

The older man patted him on the head. “Just open it please.” The metal suit alchemized the lock and Roy pulled the door open quickly, stepped through, and yanked it shut behind him. He found himself in a tunnel with long walls stretching out in front of him. A bright flash and a wall sprang up in front of him and started moving towards him. Edward, stop it.” The wall stopped moving immediately and dissolved to the floor. A bruise was forming on the young blond's cheek and he was holding his flesh arm gingerly. “Did you get in another fight?” The blond head shook, bangs waving.

“No, he did not. He was being punished and started throwing up walls everywhere for no reason.” Roy suddenly noticed a short, fat man sitting on the floor in the corner of the room. Must be the ethics professor.

“Edward, is this true?” The boy just hunched his shoulders and looked at the ground, cradling his arm closer to his chest. “Why was he being punished and how?” Edward was usually stable and had behaved well, even enjoyed himself, these past two weeks, why would he start acting up now? He'd been punished before for fighting, Roy had made sure of it.

“He was talking back, that's”

Roy cut him off smoothly, “I highly doubt that, Edward does not talk. It was on his admission forms and I spoke with you before he started.”

“He refused to read the section I assigned him. And he certainly can speak, He was yelling the most disgusting epithets before you arrived.” The fat man sounded scandalized that anyone would say bad words, much less to him.

Roy ran a hand through his hair. “No one said he couldn't speak, he doesn't. You were informed of this and it is unreasonable to give him an oral assignment.” Edward gave him a grateful look before hiding behind his bangs again. Roy's attention focused on the bruise. “How was he disciplined?”

“Same as the others, one slap per refusal.” He sounded most pleased with himself for having such a rule.

The dark haired alchemist's eyes narrowed. “You gave an oral assignment to a boy who does not speak and beat him when he did not complete it. Even though it was explained, clearly, that he was not to be touched, under any circumstances.” It was a statement of fact and Roy's voice dared the professor to object to his summary of the events.

It occurred to the little man that this was not going as planned. “He's just spoiled, he'll never amount to anything if he's allowed to do whatever he wants.” Even to him, that sounded weak.

“Edward, put the room back the way it was.” The blond clapped his hands gingerly and placed them on the floor, dissolving the wall he had put up and moving the desks back into position. “Now, apologize to the professor.” He went to clap again, but Roy held up a hand. “Verbally, you yelled now apologize for it.”

Very softly, “I'm sorry for yelling, Professor.”

“Bloody right, you little”

“And you. I will be petitioning the Dean for your immediate dismissal from this facility. It is outrageous that you should be allowed to abuse the children in your care. I will not allow my boys to be taught ethics by someone who's sense of morality is so obviously low.” He turned and strode from the room, Edward on his heels. Al joined them and followed closely to the Dean's office, where they passed the secretary, ignoring her attempts to stop them.

“Were you aware of that professor's punishments?” The look on the Dean's face said clearly that he had been. “I demand that he be dismissed immediately. I sent these boys here with the understanding that they would be safe and well taught, not that they would be abused.”

“Now, Colonel. He is a noted professor of ethics and there have been no other complaints.” The Dean's voice was low and soothing, formed from years of dealing with irate parents.

“Perhaps the parent board would like to be made aware of what you allow to happen here. I'm sure they would be most interested.” A sturdy threat, one not easily brushed aside.

“This is a military academy, none of those men will object to a little physical punishment for insubordination.” The Dean smirked; no military man would allow his son to complain about something so small.

“Sir, perhaps you are not aware, but I am the only man who has anything to do with the board. It is entirely women, mothers, who will be most upset to discover you are allowing their children to abused.” Roy smirked back, victory was his. Everyone knew the true power in the household, and it was not the father.

The Dean sat back and steepled his fingers. “Perhaps we should not be hasty.” He certainly didn't want to lose his position, it was easy and paid well, as well as had a high social status. “The professor could be placed on probation.” Roy was shaking his head. “Or, he could be replaced. But, your boy will both need to be punished, that type of behavior has no place here.”

“I completely agree. A week's expulsion seems fair to me. He will of course be punished at home as well.” Edward shrunk under Roy's glare; he was definitely not looking forward to getting home tonight.

“I'm glad we could reach an agreement. Your other boy, Alphonse may return to class.”

“I'd like to take him home now, and he will be away for the same week as his brother. I understand he is doing well enough to miss a few classes.” Roy arched a black brow. “Edward, on the other hand, will require a list of homework.”

“Of course, I'll have it sent around to your office at the end of the day. There are forms to be filled out for an absence of this length. I'll have Marie get them for you.” The man behind the desk leaned forward to call his secretary and instruct her to bring in the appropriate forms.

They were filled out quickly, Roy leaning over the desk to write while the boys waited behind him. “Thank you. We'll see you in a week's time.” He turned smartly and left the building to find Havoc waiting patiently in the car to take them home. The ride was made in silence, Roy sitting in the front, and the boys not even daring to fidget.

The car pulled up in front of the house and Roy shooed Havoc back to his seat, handing the files to the boys to carry instead. Havoc grinned at them and drove off to return to the office. The two carefully carried the papers inside and set them on Roy's desk. “Well. What should you're punishment be?” He looked at them. “Perhaps an excursion? I've taken the day off and my vacation starts tomorrow. Would you like to go to Dublith? I'm told your teacher lives there.” Both brothers looked up at him in amazement.

“Really, sir? We can really go? Now??” Al vibrated, his joints clinking rapidly. His brother began bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“Yes, now. Pack and we'll leave right after lunch. Oh,and bring a few books, I expect you to be quiet on the drive. It's at least 10 hours. We'll be gone all week, I was going to remove you both from school tomorrow but this will do.” He smiled at them, they were barely paying attention to him by now. “And Edward, we'll discuss your behavior later.” The boy in question nodded and ran after his brother to pack.

The State Alchemist made a quick lunch of sandwiches and left over salad from the night before and had to order Edward to eat the vegetables. They began packing the car and he noticed there was a stack of books for Al but none for Edward. “Edward, aren't you taking any books?” The blond head shot up and he looked horrified that he'd almost forgotten.

He ran to the library and Roy followed at a slower pace, ready to help carry the pile he knew would be chosen. When he arrived, the boy was half way up the bookshelf, hanging on a ledge and reaching as far as he could. “Edward, get down from there.” The short male jumped down and backed away from the shelves. “It's dangerous to climb shelves, they aren't sturdy enough to hold you. Why don't you use the stool?” Roy moved forward and was reaching for the book when he heard a growl behind him.

“Who are you calling so tiny a bookworm could squish him and not notice!” Low, hoarse, but definitely Edward's voice.

'Is he talking to me?' Roy froze, on his tiptoes to reach, his hand hovering above the book. 'Keep him mad, he's talking.' “That would be you, Edward.” He grabbed the book and turned to see the boy flying towards him. He braced himself for the impact but it never came. Instead, loud footsteps and a crash echoed as Al threw himself onto his airborne brother.

“You're talking! You're talking just like you used to! Brother, Brother, you're talking!” They lay in a heap, Edward gasping for air and struggling under the heavy pile of armor hugging him. “I'm so happy, Roy, sir, he's talking!”

“Yes, I heard him, Al. Maybe you should get off, I think he's turning blue.” Roy was amazed, this was normal for Edward? The quiet, fairly well mannered boy he'd come to know did not sound like that, loud, obnoxious, rude. Well, he'd have to get used to it, hearing him talk would be worth it. “Come on you two, we have a long way to go. Let's finish packing, you can hug him in the car Al.” He tried not to make too big of a deal about it, it might not happen again if he did.