For Her. For Him.

A/N: I know it's been a while since I individually addressed my reviewers, so I'm just kind of starting here after the baby name responses to Maes and Riza, though I appreciate the reviews and responses. Hikaru!, I am so glad you continue to review the story, like the babies names and the way I dealt with the flashback. Kasarin-Mustang, I'm glad mine was the first MPreg fic you've read. It's only my second to write, and this one has been in such greater detail than my other. I wanted to make Archer pretty much unlikeable, though I don't think I'm going to make Archer/Roy the first lemon, if it's there at all. I'm including the beginning of the date here. Have yet to write the rest. Truly Wished, I thought Archer was being particularly evil, and hoped he would come off that way, and happy that you liked the names. milky, I'm happy you thought the Archer/Roy stuff added instead of detracted from teh story. I realized that the trip to the office would probably be the last I'd be able to have Ed make with it still being realistic no one noticing the difference, and you realized that too. And the knocking up the girlfriend part, coming up next chapter... I think. Haven't written it yet. raindrop150,I wanted to have the short references because when Roy stands near the other officers, I notice he isn't exactly tall himself. kuragari, I wanted Roy to seem to have gotten confidence that he didn't have as a teen. Monica, I wanted to give Roy a backstory to add interest. Emily, thank you. ursweetheartles, I've been surprised by how many people have been happy with the slow progress of their relationship. I thought I'd be getting nagged for lemons immediately. Asha Crone, like I said, I figure ambitious as he is, even as a joke, I think Roy would at least joke about being fuhrer, even if only to himself. As of this point, Ed is more than halfway through the pregnancy (including the time Riza carried the babies) and is 5 1/2 months along. My little sister was one of those babies that did a lot of flipping at that point, so I figured one of the babies should be too. Never being pregnant myslef, I've had to do my research on this one and everything I've read said that while Ed might have felt them for anywhere from two weeks to a month, at about this point, Roy would have been able to feel kicks and jabs, but probably only half felt the rolling. (Later on the kicks can get bad. I still hear stories of how I woke my dad up when mom was pregnant with me). Kumiko-chan, Thank you so much. I'm trying to get this out as fast as I can without the writing suffering (too much. If I waited for perfect, I'd never post it. I'm anal that way.) OnyxLight, Thanks. Throught eventually someone had to find the hormones. Nom de Plume, I knew the Roy/Archer thing would seem weird, but I thought I'd give it a try, since people can be different over the course of about 10 years or so.

If I have omitted any reviewers, sorry. I thank everyone for reading and reviewing. Keeps me writing at this pace to get feedback.

Chapter 18

Dinner

Ed stood in front of the bathroom mirror. What had he agreed to? He’d dyed his hair a rich chestnut brown, not exactly certain that he liked it this color. It seemed strange against his skin, making it seem darker. Ed ran his hand through his hair, as it hung loose over his shoulders, but didn’t lay softly, as the temporary dye made his hair feel stiff and unnatural. Ed didn’t exactly know how to do anything with his hair more complicated than braiding, and that was out of the question, since he knew the risk that he and Roy were taking, having him go out into the public at the middle of the pregnancy, so he didn’t really want to look much like himself.

Pulling out a brush, he combed it back into a low ponytail that started at the top of his shoulders. He supposed it looked good--not great, but it would do.

For a quick check, Ed ran his hand over his cheeks and chin. No, he didn’t need to shave.

“Damn hormones,” Ed muttered as he pulled out the black wire-rimmed glasses. “Hardly got to shave before, now I don’t get to at all.”

He stepped back and looked at the clothing Roy had chosen for him. Much as he resented the fact that he was standing in items that were distinctively maternity clothes, Ed had to give the colonel credit that he had chosen items that didn’t make the teen feel like he was in drag. Not entirely.

The sapphire-colored shirt clung closely to Ed’s chest, now a full B cup and hopefully through growing, but it billowed out over Ed’s stomach. The pants were soft and flowing, resembling a long skirt when Ed was standing still, but obviously pants when he began to walk. On his feet were a pair of black shoes, designed for comfort, and for the most part succeeding.

Though he still thought he looked like himself, anyone who hadn’t witnessed the changes to his body, who didn’t know why his skin seemed to glow--when it wasn’t breaking out--might have mistaken Ed for a woman. That thought reassured the teen, meaning that he would be able to go out, but it also disturbed him on more levels than he could even consider. He closed the lid of the toilet, taking a seat on the porcelain throne. He rested his elbows on his knees and slid his hands beneath the glasses, rubbing at his temples. He looked like a damned woman, and he knew it.

“Ed,” Roy’s voice called from the hall outside the guestroom door, “are you ready?”

Taking a deep breath, Ed stood and opened the bathroom door, finding Roy standing on the other side, having gone through the guest room at this point. Roy wore a pin-striped suit, the coat opened to reveal the matching vest, crisp white shirt, and red tie. The man kept his hair down, as Ed had always preferred, rather than slicking it back with pomeade, as some of the other officers did. Ed stopped for a moment, taking in the sight of the man before him, his frame not too broad for the perfectly tailored suit, his face clean shaven, his hands lacking their familiar gloves. It was then that Ed noticed that Roy was holding something in his right hand.

Roy slid his hand open slightly, letting a long, somewhat thick silver chain dangle, at the bottom, Ed’s familiar Flamel.

“I thought you might need a bit of jewelry,” Roy said. “And I know how important this symbol is to you.” Ed stepped closer, taking the Flamel in his covered right hand and traced over the silver symbol with his left hand. “I know you won’t be able to wear your coat for some time.”

Ed fought the urge not to tear up at the man’s gesture while Roy unclasped the chain. He also couldn’t control the heat coming to his face as Roy approached him, putting very little distance between them as he clasped it around the teen’s neck, while Ed moved his hair out of the way.

“I tried not to make it too feminine,” Roy said as his arms circled around Ed’s neck. “I didn’t want to get smacked for giving you girly jewelry.”

“You made this?”

“Well, you can’t actually buy that pendant at the local jewelry store.” Roy smiled warmly down at Ed, not going unnoticed by the teen before he touched the silver snake and cross at his neck.

“Thank you,” Ed said, unable to find a smart aleck remark that didn’t seem hugely inappropriate after receiving the thoughtful gift.

“Are you uncomfortable in those?” Roy asked, gesturing to the clothes.

“No, but tell anyone else I admitted that, and I’ll have to kill you.”

“Yes, Fullmetal, I know. You threaten to kill me four or five times a day.” Roy walked out of the guestroom ahead of Ed. “You don’t look half bad, though.”

Ed shoved Roy through the doorway with his right hand, making sure that despite the flesh-colored automail cover, Mustang would feel the poking of the metal fingertips. No sooner had Roy been forced into the hallway than Black Hayate and Carlida bounded through, the large dog chasing after his new tiny playmate. Roy stumbled backwards, having Ed brace him so he didn’t fall, cursing the dog and the kitten.

“Ed,” Roy said as he moved to stand on his own, “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No,” Ed answered as Roy turned. Playfully, Ed tapped Roy with his hand. “It was honestly nice to catch you for once.”

They moved together through the hall, Ed rubbing his hands on the pants, searching for pockets he knew weren’t there, one of the most irritating flaws in the clothes.

“Now, Fullmetal,” Roy said as the walked to the stairs, moving to the wall side so that Ed could grasp the railing, “I don’t want you arguing or fighting with me when I try to do something for you or you don’t like something I do. You will be playing the part of my date, and neither of us wants anyone to guess who you are.”

“I won’t say anything, but don’t be surprised if I let you know anyway.” Ed looked at himself in the hall mirror. “Are you sure no one will guess who I am?”

“I couldn’t imagine it.” Roy opened the door for the teen. “We’ll be taking the car.”

“I don’t mind the walk.”

“But what kind of a date would I be if I made you walk?”

Roy stepped out of the door, offering Ed his arm, for which the now-brunette gave him a tiny glare, but offered his right hand. Roy shut the door, moving Ed toward the railing and wrapping the automail hand more tightly around his arm as they walked down the stairs together toward the car waiting at the front gate. Ed could see Roy patting the hand that held onto his left arm, and he wondered if Roy considered the fact that there was no feeling in the hand he was so gently touching. It had to be something he was doing instinctually, but Ed had to admit that to any observer, it looked quite affectionate.

When they reached the car, Roy opened the door for Ed and guided him in, once again earning an expression of dislike. The colonel shut the door then took his seat beside Ed.

“I’m impressed. You’re doing quite well.”

Ed said nothing, only rolled his eyes as he looked out the window at the passing scenery as Roy drove them to the restaurant.

“So, what are we going to call you?” Roy asked.

“Just go with Carlida.”

“The cat?”

Ed shrugged. He figured the name was something he would pay attention to, since Roy yelled it out at the house at least three times a day. The cat liked Roy, but always seemed to be underfoot at the most inopportune moments for the Flame Alchemist.

Roy parked the car near the main entrance to the restaurant, very near a women’s clothing store. Ed couldn’t help but notice as Roy left the car, one of the clerks caught sight of him and signaled for the others to watch. Ed almost didn’t notice Roy wagging a finger at him as he tried to leave the car on his own. Sighing, Ed waited for Mustang to pull open the door, offering Ed his hand to help him out of the vehicle.

“Roy, why are the women at that store staring?”

“That’s where I got your clothes. They helped me find out what size you’d be. I told them I needed clothes for my girlfriend. I’m guessing they’re a bit curious.”

"Girlfriend?"

"First thing to come to mind."

“How many of them have you dated?” Ed asked as he stood from the car.

“I think all of them under the age of thirty.” Ed grimaced. “Jealous, Carlida?”

Ed curled a finger for Roy to bend down, which he did. “Screw you, Mustang,” Ed whispered in his commander’s ear. Roy’s only response was a smirk.

Once again, Roy put Ed on the left side, putting the metal hand on his arm. Just as before, Roy rubbed the hand as he led the teen forward, toward a classy-looking restaurant with huge walnut doors. Once again, Roy opened the door for Ed, who wasn’t sure he liked being treated this way, and questioned if all of the women the colonel dated had possibly felt the pampering was a bit much. Though, there were some gestures that Ed enjoyed, like the way Roy placed his hand in the small of Ed’s back as they entered the restaurant.

The minute they entered, Ed couldn’t help but notice as the hostess smiled immediately at Roy, then looked down at the person in the blue shirt next to him. The shock on her face was obvious, and Ed could hear Roy grunt as his grip on the older man’s arm tightened out of fear, terrified that the waitress realized Ed wasn’t a girl.

“Mr. Mustang,” she said, her eyes glancing up at the dark-haired man before returning to Ed, “would you care for a seat upstairs or would you prefer downstairs?”

Roy wrapped his arm around Ed’s shoulders and began rubbing the smaller alchemist’s left arm. “I think downstairs.” Ed was grateful, knowing that his foot and ankle were somewhat swollen, and looking up at the colonel, that thought seemed to have crossed the older man’s mind.

The hostess led them to a seat, and Ed saw that every member of the staff in the business seemed to not only recognize Roy, but showed the same shock at Ed’s appearance beside him. As they were seated and handed their menus, Ed leaned across the table, careful not to catch the menu on fire as he held it over the candle at the center.

“Come here often?” Ed asked with a raised eyebrow.

“For most of my dates.”

“I feel cheap,” Ed said with a false pout on his face. “Can I order anything I want?”

“Of course. I provide one free dinner out to anyone who’s carrying my kid.”

“Do I get two dinners out, since they’re twins?”

Two amused dark eyes peered over the menu. When the waitress came, Roy had to introduce Ed, as the woman considered the colonel a sort of friend, since he frequented the place so much. They placed their order after Ed had made some unusual changes to his own meal, which the waitress, seeing Ed’s condition, seemed to understand, but looked disgusted by nonetheless.

*******

Outside of the building a set of blue eyes stopped suddenly on the scene of the colonel and the brunette woman sitting at the front window of the restaurant. The dark-haired man was running his fingers over the woman’s left hand, while she looked as though she was fighting not to move it back from his touch. From the observer’s point of view, the woman looked barely that. If she was eighteen, she couldn’t only have been so for a day. Was the colonel trying to get them early?

The woman, no, girl, started to stand, then sat back down, putting her hands over her face, embarrassed. She leaned forward to the colonel, saying something that made the alchemist chuckle. He replied something back, making the brunette bury her face in her hands before standing and shocking the hell out of their unseen observer.

********

Roy chuckled, wondering if Ed had managed to make it to the women’s bathroom with few difficulties. Watching the teen realize that he was going to have to use the ladies room had been priceless, that endearing blush rising to his cheeks. The colonel was honestly surprised at how amenable Fullmetal had been thus far. Despite his warning, Roy had honestly expected a battle from the teen, possibly even looked forward to it, but it seemed that Ed was so grateful to simply be out the house after a month of near captivity that even this was tolerable in exchange.

When Ed returned, hand on his stomach in discomfort, Roy looked up at him in concern. Ed put his automail hand on the man’s shoulder. “It’s just the muscles tensing. I’m fine.” Ed sat across from Roy. “The first time it happened, Gracia was there, thank goodness, because I thought I was going to deliver in the study. It took her ages to calm me down, and I think I scared Elysia a little.”

“So, you’re okay?”

“Perfectly fine, Mustang.” In shock, Roy watched as Ed placed his hand toward the middle of the table. The last time, Roy had caught the teen by surprise while he was talking about something with alchemy drawing an imaginary transmutation circle on the table. With interest, the older alchemist had watched as each thought became readable on the teen’s face as his own hand traced over each of Fullmetal's slightly rough fingers.

This time, it seemed Ed was inviting it, turning his own hand palm up. Roy placed his own on the former blond’s, his fingers tickling over the soft wrist.

“Your hands are softer than mine.” Roy said nothing to Ed’s statement, a hint of Archer’s teasing flashing across his memory. “It’s nice. Mine kind of feels like sandpaper, and the other one, well... Yours don’t scratch when you feel for the babies.”

Roy couldn’t fight the gratified expression on his face. Some of the women he had dated, even Riza, had teased that his hands were smoother than their own--Riza’s were always callused on her right hand more than the left, particularly on her trigger finger.

But Fullmetal didn’t care.

The colonel clasped onto Ed’s hands and flipped positions on the table, bringing the teen’s hand to his lips.
Gold eyes looked at the colonel, astonished. “What was that for?”

“Nothing,” Roy said. “I told you I’d be treating you like a date.”