Chimera

new chapter already. Enjoy and thanks for reviewing!

Lake

He cried himself into a nap and woke to find Ed curled in his lap, head pillowed on his shoulder. He was snoring and mouthing what felt like kisses to his neck. The dark haired alchemist just sat and ignored his legs, which were tingling from the lack of circulation, and the wet spot on his neck from Ed drooling. This must be what heaven was like; the one you love safe and whole in your arms. Al appeared in the door and approached when he saw he was awake. “Ready for supper? We’re just started, so it’ll be a bit, but is there something you want?”

“Oh, I promised Ed he and I could make something special for him. Will that be a problem?” He shifted and nudged the boy in his lap awake. Mumbles and snuffling against his neck made him smile. “Come on, Ed, get up. You won’t sleep tonight if you nap all day.” Bleary eyes blinked and he leaned back, rubbing at them.

“Oh, if you want to cook, that’s fine. I’m sure Fletcher would love a break. What did you have in mind?” The youngest blond leaned against the doorframe, watching his brother cuddle and wake up slowly.

“I don’t know, Ed hasn’t decided yet. We’ll find out when we start, I suppose. Up, Edward, it’s time for supper.” He pushed and the blond shuffled back, whining faintly at being removed from his nest. Roy sat, allowing his legs to stop tingling before he started to get up. Ed stretched and rolled his back, then ran for the kitchen, bouncing down the hall. The two men watched him go, laughing at how quickly he recovered energy.

“Roy? Are you really going to take him?”

“If he’ll come with me, yes. I’d like you to come too, all of you are welcome.” The brunette stood carefully, stretching his legs. He reached high to loosen his back and arms and was knocked on his butt by Ed slamming into him. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Help. Help.” The blond bounced in his lap, his arms around the older man’s neck.

“Yes, yes, I’m coming to help you. Be patient.” Furious head shaking threw blond hair into his eyes. “What do you want to make? Something nice?”

Ed hopped up and pulled his friend after him. “Chicken. Cookies. Noodles.”

“Ah, well, I’m afraid I don’t know how to make cookies, but we can certainly have chicken and noodles, with tomato sauce I think. Or, how about almonds? I know some nice things with almonds.” The blond alchemist’s entire body wiggled in excitement and he dragged Roy to the kitchen. The pots and utensils were already out and Roy set him to making pasta while he cut the chicken. Soon, supper was nearly done, and Al volunteered to make cookies. Ed measured ingredients, making a huge mess with the flour and eating half the dough, and laughing the entire time.

Supper was a quiet affair, the boys chatting and laughing. Evening was smooth, the radio playing while Ed lay across Roy and Al’s laps on the couch, playing with a puzzle. He bossed Fletcher around, telling him what piece to put where and snickered when they didn’t fit. He finally settled for bed, fast asleep in seconds. Roy headed out soon after, curling in his cold bed and wishing he weren’t alone. Seeing Ed so happy made him remember the many times had stayed with him, playing and cuddling. AS much as he adored this new Ed, he still missed his old one.

Late, it was late, the moon was still high. Ed sat on the edge of his bed, watching him. “Hi. Come to visit I see. Want to play something?”

Blond hair shook. “Sleep.”

The older man flipped back a corner of his blanket. “Certainly, come in.” He hesitated for a moment, then crawled in, cuddling into the warm chest. “Good night, Ed.”

A few hours later, Ed woke him again. “Snack.”

Roy waved his arm around a bit, trying to get him back but the blond had slipped away to stand beside the bed. “Ugh, alright, alright. Let’s go have a snack.” He dragged himself up and grabbed a shirt, tugging it over his head on the way inside. Cold noodles and chicken were produced and Ed inhaled it. “Ok, ready to sleep again?” He nodded enthusiastically and Roy had the feeling there wouldn’t be much sleep tonight. They sat in the living room, playing a quiet game of matching until his eye started to close. Ed urged him onto the couch and cuddled on top of him.

“Roy. Sleep.” Soft hair tickled his chin and he slipped out of consciousness.

****************************

Morning brought a flurry of activity to the shop. Roy woke to find himself alone under a fuzzy blanket. Ed was playing by the couch, his cards spread around as he amused himself. Occasionally, he would wander away, but Al brought him back soon each time. Roy watched a few times, then waved Fletcher over when he passed by.

“Where is he going? Ed, I mean.”

“Oh, he just wants to play outside and there are people here. We had a large commission and they’re here to get it. He has to stay inside where he’s safe.” The blond waved and hurried off, carrying a large box.

Al led Ed back in. “Please, Brother, stay here. Just for a few more hours, ok? They’ll leave soon and you can go out later.”

“Al. Play.” The blond begged, holding his cards out.

Al sighed and shook his head. “Not now, Ed. Later, we’ll play later.”

Roy spoke up. “Edward? Would you like to play with me? We can go for a walk later, if you like.” Yellow eyes flared and the solid body bounded up on the couch. “Oof. Careful, you’re heavy.”

“Roy. Awake.” The brunette grinned and nodded. “Play. Fish. Fish.” Al’s eyes rolled, it was probably one of his words.

“Sure, we can play go fish. Do you remember how?” A light frown and the gold head shook. “Alright, deal five cards to each of us and put the rest in the middle. Why don’t you set it up while I talk to Al? I’ll be right back.” The blond sat himself on the floor, humming and mixing the cards. “Al? Come please.” They left the room, moving to the kitchen. “You need to make time for him if his movements are restricted. Even one of you can take a bit of time to play with him. I’ll handle him now, but you guys will have to discuss it amongst yourselves and get organized.”

Al shrugged, “We just don’t have time right now, this is a big project and we almost didn’t finish it. He can amuse himself for a little bit.”

“Al, that’s not the way it works. He needs attention, not babysitting. He’s bored and you won’t let him out to play alone, so you have to play with him.” His fingers rubbed his forehead. “You guys have done really well, sticking to the rules, giving him access to things, but you have to try to understand how his mind works. He’s lonely and feels useless. A lot of attention isn’t required, just some.”

“Yeah.” Russell was yelling for him to hurry up. “I gotta go, we’ll talk about it later. The guys and I will work it out, ok? Can you just stay with him today? Please?” Sigh and a nod. “Thanks. Coming, Russ!” He dashed off.

Roy headed back into the living room to find Ed curled in the big chair. “Hey. Are you going to come and play?” Gold ears twitched at him but he didn’t look up. “Heard us, huh. Well, they’re just busy right now. I’ll spend time with you, if that’s alright. Unless you want me to go.” A hand reached out and he took it. “Alright, why don’t you come sit with me and I’ll teach you how to play?” The short form reluctantly moved out of the chair and slunk across the floor.

Roy sat and picked up his cards. Ed mirrored him and the game was explained. The boy’s luck was still atrocious. Every time he guessed, he was wrong, which made it ridiculously easy for Roy to guess correctly. He let a few go, giving him a couple pairs, but still beat him. The loss was taken well and his lap was filled with a warm body. “Busy?”

“No, I’m not too busy. I’m here with you. The others are a little busy today, but they’ll be done soon. Do you want to go for a walk?” Yellow looked up at him, a slight frown marring his brow.

“Outside? Bad.” A short nod assured him this was the truth. Old habits.

“It’s not bad to go outside, it’s bad to go outside alone or wander off. You can come out with me, we’ll just put your hat on and not go near people.” Ed blinked at him then moved off cautiously to retrieve his coat. He looked around constantly, waiting for a reprimand.

They left the house and were on their way down the path away from town when Russell saw them. He came running over, waving his hands. “What are you doing out here, we have people all over! Go back in!”

“No. Ed and I need the exercise; we’re going for a little walk. His ears are covered and we’re heading away from town. No one will see us.”

“It’s an unnecessary risk, he shouldn’t be outside. He should stay in until he’s better.” Russell’s arm waving had attracted his brother and Al. They both nodded. Ed shrunk down and started to obey, moving towards the house until Roy’s hand stopped him.

“He’s not sick, this is normal. You are too busy to spend time right now and that’s fine. He and I are going to spend time outside. We agreed on this. Go finish your business and come join us if you like.” Roy gripped Ed’s arm and pulled him away, dragging him down the path.

Fifteen minutes later, Ed nudged him off the path and over a small hill. A tiny lake shimmered and a little clearing led to the water’s edge. “This is beautiful, Ed.” They sat by the water, Ed behind Roy, and watched birds fishing. Small hands dug into his back and Roy turned partially to see what was wrong. He was pushed back around and the firm hands moved again. His eye closed; so nice, relaxing. He hadn’t even realized he’d been tense until the steady hands worked it out.

“Mmm, thank you, that felt wonderful.” He stretched and mismatched arms came around his chest to hug him. “What’s wrong, Ed?” His back moved from the shrug. “Tell me, I want to help.”

“Pest. Roy nice. Not think so.” He struggled, fighting to form the sentences he needed.

“Ed, sweetheart.” The endearment slipped out and he patted the arms around him. “You’re not a pest, no one thinks that. They’re just having a busy day, that’s all. Is it usually like this?” Soft hair brushed the back of his neck in a negative. “See? It’s ok; I doubt it’ll happen again. And, I’m here, so they probably think I can step up and give them more room. Which is true, I like spending time with you. I suppose now is as good a time to talk about it as any.”

He loosened the arms around him and turned to face the blond. “Edward, I want you to come home with me. Once you change back, I’d like to take you back to Central with me. Think about it, alright? You don’t have to answer right away, and whatever your answer is will be fine. I wouldn’t expect you to join the military again, just stay with me. I can get you access to libraries across the country, I have a nice house, I can take care of you until you decide what you wish to do.” Suddenly he felt like a nervous boy proposing. He laughed to himself a bit. “Al is welcome of course, the other two if you want, anything I can give you is yours.” He pressed their foreheads together. “Think about it, ok? We’ll talk more when you change back.”

A shy smile and faint blush passed quickly before the boy pushed back a little and stood. “Fight?”

Roy pushed out a breath. “Sure, but take it easy, alright? I haven’t sparred for a few years.” Eager nodding followed and they stood, facing one another. Roy moved forward to attack and twirled around quickly. Somehow, Ed had gotten behind him. Right, faster than normal, more flexible, attacks more basic. Focus, strong defense plus simple, well timed offense should do it. He knew Ed could take a lot of damage and still function easily, whereas he couldn’t. He blocked the kicks and landed a solid hit to the boy’s ribs. His feet flew out from under him and strong hands gripped his shoulders to throw him to the ground. He lay for a second to catch his breath, then got up. A set of kicks pushed him back until an opening appeared.

He took it and landed on his rear. So maybe the attacks weren’t so basic anymore. The blond was watching him closely, waiting for a sign he was done. He smirked. He may be out of practice, but he was a general and had a few tricks left.

The next attack followed the same pattern and he fell back, leading the younger man forward. When the blond was in the air, a long leg lashed out and caught him in the side. As he hit the ground, Roy was on him, stilling the rolling and pinning him by the shoulders. If he got enough leverage, he could easily lift the lighter man off, so Roy made sure his shoulders were down and his legs pinned together. “Give?” Frantic bucking was futile and the solid body stilled. A faint mewl was answer enough and he got up, taking a hand and pulling the blond up too. Roy let the panting take him over and they sat by the water again, Ed curled against his side.

“Ed? Are you alright with me touching you like this?” Big eyes peeked up at him from his shoulder. Blond hair moved in a nod and a small hand curled around his. “Good. If you don’t want me to touch you, just say so, alright? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable with me.”

“Nice.” A smile kicked the side of his mouth up.

“I’m glad. Care to join me? I’m going to clean up a little.” Frantic head shaking and the boy shoved away and scooted up the hill. Roy laughed, “I won’t make you.” He started to strip, folding his clothes neatly until he was in his boxers. A toe was stuck in the water; not bad, a chill from night but it was warming with the sun. He waded in to his waist and splashed water over his chest, rinsing away the sweat. A faint whine made him turn and look back at Ed, who had snuck to the edge of the water and was sitting with his toes inches away, reaching for him. “Just a minute, I’ll be right out.” A few more splashes and he dove in, slicing through the water for a few strokes. He rolled to his back and kicked his way in to shallower water before standing and leaving the cool lake.

Ed bounded up and hugged him, before jerking away and shaking furiously. “Yes, I am still wet. Give me a few minutes and I’ll dry off.” He ran his hands over his body to remove the extra water and shook his hair. When his head came up, he noticed Ed blushing and staring at him. His eyebrow arched but he didn’t say anything, opting to lie on the grass and let the sun dry him off completely. The blond sat beside him, touching his side occasionally to see if he was dry. A nap seemed in order and Roy let himself drift off in the warm sun and light rubbing on his stomach.

Yelling woke him. Ed was standing over him, calling Al’s name and he could hear the younger brother calling back. The sun showed it was getting late in the afternoon; they were probably worried. His clothes were scattered around him. “Ed? What happened to my clothes?”

The young man blushed and started picking them up. “Play.” He handed them to his caretaker, who smiled and thanked him. The older man started to dress and Al came over the hill as he was buttoning his shirt.

“What are you guys doing? You’ve been gone for hours.” His eyes fastened on the open, wrinkled shirt but he didn’t mention it.

Roy continued closing his shirt as if nothing was wrong. “Not much, just fell asleep. Sorry we lost track of time.” They hadn’t done anything and the faint accusation in Al’s eyes wouldn’t make him feel guilty.

“Well, come on. The commission is gone, so you can be outside at home. Supper will be ready soon too, maybe you’d like to help, Ed? It’s Fletcher’s turn to cook today, so it’s cheese and pasta.” His attention turned to Roy, “Fletch never really learned to cook much, Russ either. Or Brother, for that matter. Do you think they’re taking advantage of me?” A brow arched and laughter shone in his eyes. Apparently he was going to ignore the state of undress.

“Well, if your cooking is still as fantastic as it was before, I do not blame them in the least.” A blush spread at the blatant flattery. “Shall we? I’m sure Ed is hungry.” The blond in question nodded quickly and led the way, racing back to check on them regularly.

Ed was more than willing to help cook. Pasta was always fascinating to him, hard and throwable before, and soft and chewy after. He chased some around the counter until it was taken and placed in the pot of water. Fletcher was a bit less enthusiastic, not knowing what to do with the energy. Finally, Ed was assigned to grate cheese, which went badly. He refused to touch the dairy product and when Fletcher insisted, shoved it on the floor before running off to his room. Roy gave him a few minutes to calm down ad went after him.

“Ed? Open the door please.” A loud bang from the other side told him the blond hadn’t calmed yet. “Edward, now, please.” He stood and waited until the door opened and followed the short form in. “What’s the matter? You wanted to help, didn’t you?”

Sniff. “Gross.” His arms were folded over his chest, as if to protect him from the horrible cheese.

“Ed, he wasn’t making you eat it. He just wanted you to help and that’s what needed doing. Did you think throwing it around would help? Fletcher feels bad, he wanted to spend time with you, especially after they were busy today.” The blond was looking at his arms. “Would you like to go back out? The table still needs to be set and I’m sure Fletcher would like it a lot if you helped him out.” The full bottom lip was coming out in a pout. “What do you eat when there’s cheese for supper?”

“Noodles.” Roy sighed, so spoilt. “Not bad. Gross.”

“No, you aren’t bad. If you don’t want to do something, just say no. Except for baths, you don’t have to do things you don’t want to. There are exceptions, but generally, you have choices. Remember, you promised to try to be nice.” He stood, watching the boy think it over. “Now, do you want to help set the table or not? They’re waiting but supper is almost ready.” The lip was chewed thoroughly before a nod was given. “Ok, I’ll go and get things out for you guys and you can come when you’re ready, alright?”