Chimera

Mostly from Riza's point of view/experiences. I'm experimenting with her, seeing what I can do. Mostly pleased with this chapter, just fluff but that's ok. It'll make up for the last one. Jazz, anytime you wish to send me something, please feel free. I would be more than thrilled to edit anything, or even just chat. That goes for anyone interested. As always, thank you for reading and reviewing, they truly make my day.

Drunk birthdays

The day started slowly, Roy moping around; it was his birthday and Ed had started off with the ‘old man’ comments before they were even out of bed. The entire crew ended up at their favorite bar later than usual because none of the papers were signed on time. Ed and Al slipped in to join them an hour after, a small present in Al’s hands. A new record had been appreciated and both boys got a head rub before the drinking continued. Drinks were ordered for the entire table, Ed getting Al’s as well as his own. It was no use trying to stop him, he just got more stubborn, especially with Roy goading him on and the others teasing him into keeping up.

Within an hour, Roy was bouncing around the bar, hitting on every pretty girl there and Al was sitting on Ed to keep him from going after him. Riza managed to lure the brunette back with the help of a pretty barmaid and a bottle of scotch, where he was pounced on by his blond lover. Ed was hauled off and forced to sit on the other side of the annoyed lieutenant. Quiet reined while a card game was started and drinks were poured and slung back.

A scrape drew her attention to Ed’s side. His chair was edging towards hers and he looked up, cute and pleading, so she let him get closer. His chair brushed hers and his leg pressed against hers. The flesh hand reached around her back and she shot him a cold glare, but it kept going, wiggling between her back and the chair support. Just as she was about to smack him, Roy shuffled closer on her other side. The blond head whipped around to stare at him; he was never this bold!

She realized Ed’s arm was wiggling and she shifted forward to make herself more comfortable. Suddenly, she was captured, surrounded by blond boy and the brunette’s arm around her neck. Ed’s head landed on her shoulder and pale fingers sunk into his hair. Warm breath on her ear warned her before Roy spoke. “I want to touch him. Please, Lieu, Riza?” She realized Ed’s hand was curled in Roy’s shirt and they were using her as a shield.

Her shoulders slumped a bit, “Alright, but no groping!”

Roy’s free hand came up to give her a lopsided salute, “Yes, ma’am!” They both grinned at her.

Protests arose from the others; if Ed and Roy got to snuggle with her, they should too. A cocked gun disabused them of that notion, but grumbles remained. A few drinks, put on Roy’s tab, settled the group and the cards came out again. She played a few hands, stubbornly ignoring the snuggling head and rubbing arm on her shoulders and the wriggling limb around her back.

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Riza huffed, dragging Roy out of the car and practically carrying him to the step. He was such a bright and energetic drunk, but one too many and he was completely helpless. Ed was thankfully sleeping quietly in the backseat; he’d needed carrying to the car. She didn’t know how many he’d had, at least six down before she thought to count and by then it had been too late to stop him. Still, she couldn’t believe she got stuck with this.

Al had called dibs on taking Fuery home, always a fun endeavor since he was so talkative and would tell you anything. Havoc and Breda had stumbled home, leaning on each other and singing loudly, Falman along to ensure they actually got there. Which left Hawkeye with these two; cuddly, energetic, loud. Right up until they crashed. No wonder Al bolted.

She propped Roy up against the wall and started looking for keys. He giggled and tried to push at her hands. “Ed, stop. We’re still outside.”

“Keys, sir.”

“Use your own, I think I forgot mine.” He grabbed her and snuffled in her hair. “Mmm, never mind, just stay here.” A quick hug and he was pushing back, teetering unsteadily. “Ed? I think I drank too much.” His legs collapsed completely. ‘Stay calm Riza, it’s not his fault you were digging through his pockets looking for something that didn’t exist. And shooting him now would be pointless, he wouldn’t remember.’

The brunette was left sitting on the step as she stomped back to the car to dig through the blond boy’s clothes. This was worse than his birthday, seven month ago.

*Flashback*

The crowd had grown considerably since she left and Riza shoved her way through, head starting to pound before she got through. Ed and Al were sitting it the middle, surrounded by blue uniforms and glasses, mostly empty. Laughter was loud and encouragement for Ed to drink more echoed through the bar. Why, oh why had she let that pain of a Colonel talk her into this? “Ed, put that down. How many have you had?”

Solid shoulders shrugged, “Dunno, some? I’ll be fine.” Her gaze moved to Al in question.

“I, ah, lost count. About six, I think.” His shoulders rolled a bit. The others looked away or shrugged when she glared.

“Lieutenant! You’re back!” Roy was well on his way to being completely plastered. He stood, leaning over Ed, one hand on his shoulder and the other rubbing his back. “Drink up, my boy! Not everyday you get to be sixteen!”

“Colonel, please. He’s too young and” Which was exactly the worst thing to say to a teenage male, never mind a drunk and especially volatile Fullmetal.

“Who’s so tiny he can’t even out drink an ant?” The boy wove on his way up and Roy leaned down, whispering in his ear. Bright pink bloomed on the high cheekbones and he settled back, sighing in contentment under Roy’s hands. Several drinks were downed in a matter of seconds.

The blond woman gave up and sat; the only thing she could do now was take them home. And, slapping the brunette’s hand, keep them from groping each other too obviously in public. Really, how they managed to keep a secret for more than a day was beyond her comprehension.

The evening had ended with Al carrying his brother back home, while Riza dragged Roy in the other direction, much to his protests. The rest of the office crew had stood back and laughed themselves silly at the production, at least partially of their making. Roy hadn’t bought all those drinks and punishment was meted out appropriately the next work day.

*End*

“Roy? I’m tired, not tonight.” The blond boy tried to roll and ended up on the floor. Finally, a large set of keys appeared from an inner pocket of the red jacket. What were all these for?

The third key opened the door and she tried to get Roy to his feet. Nope, he stayed down, grinning up at her and babbling about how great she was. ‘That’s it. Enough.’ She crouched beside him and hefted him over her shoulder. Down the hall and onto the bed. She took a minute to stretch a bit; that was a lot of weight to carry. Coat, boots, belt, uniform top, let him sleep. The newly thirty year old patted around, murmuring Ed’s name.

The blond sighed and made her way back out to the car to retrieve her younger charge. Ed was awake and sitting quietly, waiting for her to come back for him. A slim arm reached up and she ducked under it to help him stand only to end up balancing him against her hip. His flesh leg had given under him and the metal one was locked. Another sigh and she swung him up into her arms, his arms moving around her neck. He snuggled and pressed his nose into her shoulder, making happy noises. A quick trip down the hall to the bedroom and he was stripped to his tank top and pants in minutes.

The two males curled around each other, snuggling and babbling to each other softly. Delicate looking hands lifted to her hips and she shook her head while she panted from carrying Ed. Really, truly, she hadn’t thought it would last. Another fling and another heart to pick up. Not that she wasn’t grateful, Ed was precious to them all and she would have had to plant at least one bullet in her wayward superior, but it did mean that she didn’t have a chance. She’d always hoped he would calm down a little and she would be close enough to pick him up. A final sigh and she turned to head home; Black Hayate would need a walk by now.

“Riza?” the soft call drew her attention to the bed and she turned back to see Black eyes watching her blearily. “Thank you.” They closed gently and she smiled on her way out. Maybe it wasn’t so bad to lose him to Ed.