Home feels like

Around

A whirlwind of blond hair and red coat burst through the door. “Brother!” Ed bolted upright, scrambling for blankets to cover himself while looking for the source of the disturbance.

Al pounced, leaping on the bed to hug his missing brother, ignoring his nudity and bedmate, which swiped at them and rolled over. “Hey, Al.” Ed hugged back. “Let me have a look at you.” His fingers combed chin length hair, ran over smooth cheeks, brushed delicate eyebrows, and slid lightly over broadening shoulders. “You’re beautiful.” He pulled him close to kiss his forehead. A faint growl made him turn to look at his sleepy partner. Violet eyes glared from under green hair and Ed beamed at him.

“Brother? Who is that?” Wide brown eyes examined the oldest boy, who sat up and stretched, and lay back down facing the other direction, entirely unconcerned with his lack of dress. Al finally noticed they were both naked and climbed off the bed, blushing brightly. He stood fidgeting and looked at the door. “Maybe I should go.”

A bright flush stained Ed’s cheeks; being naked in bed with another guy was not the first impression he’d wanted to make with his little brother. “Ah, can we meet you in the restaurant? Just a few minutes, ok?”

The door closed softly and the blond threw himself back on the bed, kicking his frustration. His arm waved and was captured. “Stop it, I’m trying to sleep.”

“What? No, get up. We have to go down. I bet he hates me, did you see his face?” He started to get up and turned to see his partner curl deeper in the blankets. ‘At least he was tall, did that right.’

“Whatever, you go down. I’m staying here.” He snuggled in the blanket, dragging it against his side and covering cold parts, leaving his shoulder and a leg exposed.

“Envy! You have to take me down!” Ed started pushing at the white shoulder. It shifted and suddenly he was under the older man.

“Have to, do I? I think not. The only thing I have to do is punish you for ordering me around.” Thin fingers trailed down his chest to become blades pressing against the flat stomach. “Now, what do you say?” A faint whimper and soft skin trembled under the threat. “Be a good boy or our precious brother will have to bandage you up.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please, don’t.” His breaths were shallow to avoid any pressure against the knives.

“Much better. Now, did you want something from me?” The blades slid over his skin, cutting the fine hairs before pulling back a little. They still touched the curly hair, trimming it idly, but didn’t threaten immediate cuts.

“Will you please take me down to see Al? I’d really like it.” Ed took deep breaths; Envy probably wouldn’t cut him now, if only because he wouldn’t want to change sheets this early, but some extra effort on his part never hurt. “I’d, ah, be very appreciative if you helped me.” A rare promise; Envy took it to mean he could do anything and the blond tended to end up bleeding.

The blades stilled and amethyst eyes met his. “Very?” Pink flashed as Ed nervously licked his lips ad nodded, holding his breath. “I could just take it.” Ed nodded again. “But, you screaming under me like a whore is good too.” He grinned and the blond flinched. “Deal. Get dressed.” The cool touch disappeared and Ed found himself fending off his thrown clothes.

The brunette form was taken and the shorter boy was carried down to be plopped in a booth across from his brother. The oldest wandered over to get breakfast, keeping an eye on the pair.

They were focused on each other, examining and adjusting their memories. “You’re different.”

“You too. But perfect.”

“Ah, um, Winry told me what you were like.”

“Oh, hell, don’t believe anything she told you! Bet she said I was cocky, rude, arrogant, and careless with my auto-mail. I swear, she loved that machine waaayyy more than she ever liked me.” Al hid a snicker behind gloved hand. “I was not. I was a bit blunt but otherwise an angel. Perfectly nice.” Laughter escaped and the older blond flushed. “What?”

“Brother, EVERYONE said you were rude, arrogant, reckless and spastic about your height.” He leaned forward and giggled at the outraged expression.

“That’s not true and who the fuck said I was short?” Ed’s arm waved a bit and his brother dropped his head to his arms and howled with laughter.

By the time Envy got back with a loaded tray, Al had moved over to sit next to his brother and they whispered together as if they’d never been apart. He growled and the younger boy immediately vacated his position. Ed shot him an annoyed glare but food distracted him.

He reached for a muffin and it was moved out of his way. “What? Envy, I’m huunngry. Come on.” It was a spectacular whine but the brunette was unmoved. “Please?” Big eyes and a trembling lip made him smile and it was moved back within reach to be attacked. Al stared as his brother devoured three muffins, a plate of eggs and six pieces of toast. The pancakes were eaten more slowly, the initial pangs satisfied. Envy ate quietly, ignoring them both.

Al picked at his meal, casting uncomfortable glances at the tall man. “Brother, who is this? And who was with you this morning?”

Ed glanced up from his meal and swallowed the last bite. “Oh, sorry. This is Envy; he was there this morning too.” He looked away, blushing. “He can change forms and it’s easier for us to move around like this.” He waved at the brunette form.

The taller blond was half over the table and Envy looked up in surprise. “Really? You can change forms? What can you do? How? Do you rearrange the molecules or transmute things into yourself? How do you do human transmutation? What arrays do you use? Can you teach me?” Initial discomfort was forgotten in favor of potential knowledge.

Ed’s hand patted the air. “Al, calm down. Do you know about homunculi?” Brown eyes widened and he nodded slowly. “Well, Envy used to be one. He has some special abilities like speed, strength, and changing his appearance.”

Al’s eyes fastened on the brunette but he addressed his brother. “Used to be? What happened?”

“We aren’t sure, I was hoping you would be able to help me out with that.” He explained what had happened.

Al frowned. “What array did you use?”

“Just a nonsense one, I drew some circles and filled them with runes, for fun. Alchemy didn’t work there, and the array shouldn’t have worked anyways. Here, like this.” He sketched it out on a napkin.

“Brother, that’s a contradiction, it won’t do anything.” Al looked across the table to see if he was being teased but Ed was dead serious.

“I know that, that’s why I can’t figure out what happened.” His hand waved and his eyes rolled.

“Why won’t it do anything?” Envy spoke up, peering over Ed’s shoulder. Al blinked at him and looked to his brother in confusion and was waved on to explain.

“Well, some runes cancel out the effect of others. See this one, water, and this one, fire, are opposites and, if used at the same time without a mediating link, will negate each other. This array has several sets of opposites, arranged across the circle from each other. A pretty design but quite useless. No matter how much power you put into this, nothing will happen.”

Envy’s hand tightened painfully on Ed’s shoulder. “So you used a useless array, dragged us back here, and fucked me over.”

Ed swallowed and tried to stop the tremors running down his back. “It wasn’t supposed to do anything. I just missed home and was doodling.” Nails lengthened and dug into his flesh, drawing blood. “Please, Envy, you’re hurting me.”

The older boy’s temper snapped and he hissed down at his captive. “And I will continue until you fix this.” The blond flinched and tried to struggle without drawing a lot of attention.

Al clapped his hands and set them on the table. Short spikes drove up around Ed and Envy jumped back, releasing his grip o the hunched shoulder. He flipped gracefully through the air. “Leave him alone!” The brunette laughed, the terrifying grin in place.

“You want to play with me, little boy? Then come on.” He darted forward, ignoring Ed’s yells for him to stop. Quick punches and kicks spun the young blond; Al could barely see him and turned helplessly. A hard shot to his chest sent him flying to lie beside Ed’s seat.

Even with his limited mobility, the older blond threw himself on his brother and took the kick meant for Al’s side. “Stop, Envy, please! Don’t hurt him!”

“Why not? He wanted to play.” Another kick almost lifted him off but he clung stubbornly, ignoring Al’s struggles.

“No, he was just trying to protect me, I’ll make him stop. Please!” The taller man crouched beside him and lifted his chin.

“And will you take the beating he asked for?” He grinned down, promising it would be brutal but Ed didn't care.

“Yes! Yes, please, leave him.” He sobbed, drowning out Al’s protests. Laughing, Envy lifted the blond into his arms and started upstairs. The younger blond tried to stand and Ed fixed him with gold eyes that demanded obedience. “Stay out of it, Al. Go home. I’ll see you in a few days.” He hid his tears against the broad shoulder and let himself be carried up to their room.

He was bounced on the thick shoulder once before he was tossed on the bed. “Well, well, this’ll be fun. Strip.” Green hair swung as Envy cracked his knuckles and stretched his arms and back, grinning widely as he changed his body a few times, then settled on his usual pale self.

Ed took off his clothes and threw them away from the bed; no sense getting them stained. He huddled on the bed and gritted his teeth. He wouldn’t die and Al was safe; it was enough and he could take it. Envy giggled and it sent shivers down his back as slim fingers ran over his trembling chest. “I don’t even know where to start! There are so many wonderful things I could do to you.” A finger changed to a blade and a shallow cut wavered under a pink nipple.

A sharp gasp and tanned skin jerked. “Perhaps…” A pink tongue lapped the trickle up and more cuts appeared, shallow and touching each rib. Warmth followed the blade, licking down his body to stop at the navel. He didn’t go further, even when Ed sucked his stomach in and trembled. Tears trickled down Ed’s face but he stayed as still and silent as he could, fighting the urge to fight, scream, run, anything but take it.

Minutes, hours, he didn’t know how long passed before Envy leaned back to examine him. “You are very pretty like this. Are you sorry?”

A choked “Yes.”

Lick. “Why?”

His voice was breathy from controlling it for so long. “Defying you, Al, talking back, everything.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

A whimpered “Please.”

Envy hummed against his chest but the sharp finger changed back and slim hands ran down his sides, avoiding the cuts. “Alright, you were good. We’ll finish it later.” Sharp teeth nipped his neck. “Stay.” Weight moved off the bed and quick footsteps moved to the side table.

Ed lay with his eyes closed, trying to ignore the multitude of small, sharp pains. He arched off the bed when a cold cloth draped across him. His skin numbed quickly and he relaxed in Envy’s arms. Little kisses pressed to his collarbone and he stiffened slightly. “Later, just be still.” Now that the initial anger was gone, the older boy was in a generous mood. The kisses continued and white hands rubbed his shoulders, arm, sides, and thighs. Ed relaxed and let himself drift on the edge of consciousness. “It’s not so bad, is it? To belong to me?” Whispered questions drew him back.

He turned his head and looked at his bedmate. “Sometimes it hurts. It’s mostly nice.” A slight smile and he faded back to the edge.

A gentle finger tapped his nose. “So honest. Sleep. I’ll be back.” He kissed the bridge of the pert nose and stood.

Al was curled on a bench, waiting, when he came down for new water, some bandages, painkillers, and food. He was ignored until he stood right behind the other and spoke. “Why?” Brown changed to violet and back. “Why is he with you?”

“He made a deal. You understand about deals, don’t you?” He smirked. “He wanted help, I wanted him. Simple. I believe the term you use is ‘equivalent exchange.’” He turned away and picked up his bundles.

“Let him go, he doesn’t deserve this!” Envy stopped and backed down the stairs.

“Is that an offer? To take his place?” He stalked the younger boy, pushing him against the counter. “How sweet! And so tempting.” His nose pressed against Al’s and he nuzzled, breathing in his fear. “But, the pipsqueak would be upset and we can’t have that, now can we?” He laughed, pleased with the world in general at the moment. “Keep your offer and go home like a good little boy. He’s already taken one punishment for you, don’t you think that’s enough?” The blond’s legs gave and he slid to the floor, staring up in horror. “No wonder he loves you so much, so adorable.” Harsh mocking laughter floated down the stairs long after he was out of sight. Al sat and stared, tears running down his face.

He stayed until the innkeeper sent him home and was back in the morning. Envy let him in to visit for a few minutes; Ed was thrilled and chatted excitedly, ignoring the bandages around his chest. Two days passed before Ed felt well enough to visit the Rockbell’s. Pinako decided he needed another day to heal up, glaring at Envy, who glared back.

“Aw, Auntie, it’s not a big deal, I can take it.” Whining had never worked before, but it was worth trying.

“Not like that. You know how hard it is and there are still some adjustments to do. Take another day to let those close.” She puffed her pipe and raised an eyebrow at him. “How did those happen again?”

He blushed and looked away. “An accident. It’s alright, they’re almost healed.”

“Yeah, we heard about your little ‘accident.’” Winry glared as she came in, her arms full of parts. “I think you”

Ed cut her off with a slash of his hand. “Leave it. I said it was fine.” The brunette smirked at them. “Envy? I’d like to go back now. If they won’t work on me, I’d like to sleep a bit.” When he was picked up, he whispered. “Please stop teasing them. I just want to get this finished.” A quick kiss to the ear and he laid his head down, letting himself be carried comfortably back to the hotel and his bed.

Three hours later, the blond rolled and winced a bit when he landed on his stomach. The bed was empty beside him and blurry eyes opened. His lover was sitting at the table, examining a piece of paper. “Hey. Whatcha doin’”

Purple eyes glanced at him and he stood, folding the paper in half. “Nothing you need to know about.” Ed shrugged and rolled to his side, leaving room for the other to sit. “Hurt?”

“A little, nothing big.” A bright grin had him on his guard. “What?” Clothes disappeared and he was pressed down into the bed. “Now?”

“You still owe me some gratitude I believe.” Ed smiled; he’d almost forgotten and with this kind of good mood, it would be fun. His arm wrapped around the older boy and he nestled against the slender chest.

“Yes, I do. What would you like?”

A quick lick to his neck. “Guess.”

Ed hummed and let the vibrations run through his body and Envy’s lips. They smiled against his skin. “You would like me on my knees, sucking you.” A favorite position, and a usual to start with. A sound of agreement was made and the warm mouth moved further down his chest. “Then, you’ll leave me on my knees and fuck me from behind. Haven’t done that for awhile.” Might as well try and nudge him in a direction he wanted to go too.

“Not bad, not exactly what I had planned, but it’s tempting.” He pulled away and stood, balancing easily as Ed shifted around on the bed. His feet tucked under him and he leaned back, leaving a clear line of view. The pink tongue slid out and licked the swelling tip delicately. The green-haired man was almost hard and a few licks and a nibble brought him to full erection.

The smooth head slipped easily between his lips and his tongue swirled around it, sucking it deeper. His throat relaxed and he swallowed more, pressing in until his nose touched smooth skin; his tongue twisted around the cock and licked taut muscle, dragging a moan from above. Gold rolled up and he watched dark lashes flutter closed, hips moving gently against him. A light scrape of teeth and white hands tightened painfully in his hair.

He pulled back and licked delicately at the quivering head. “Envy, I want you.” His tongue moved over flexing muscle, up to tight nipples. He had to reach, but it brought their bodies tight against each other. A flex of his stomach and moans floated down to him, the slim back arching, chest and stomach rubbing. White hands flexed again and slid to his shoulders, nudging him back to lie down. Heat traveled up his chest to lick at his neck; Ed tilted his head back to allow better access.

The bandages were tugged off and light brushes of pale fingers around the healing cuts made him moan, breathy cries escaping. Green hair slid over his chest to tease, the tips brushing his stomach and further, tangling with his short curls. Gold rolled and he arched, ignoring the small pains from his chest. Each injury was kissed and warm air blew over the wet skin, making him shiver while the delicate hands caressed, exploring his sides and hips, taunting with their proximity to his desperate need. “Please, touch me. Take me.”

He whined, hoping it would encourage him along. Gentle laughter made him groan; no luck there. “I thought this was my payment? Be patient or I’ll leave you all alone.”

A light nip made him gasp and beg harder. “Please, please, I need you, please, now.” Arching was held down easily and he was engulfed in wet and his breath stopped, mouth working as he tried to remember how. Small sucks were delicious, tightening his body but not enough, just on the edge of satisfying. Dry fingers teased him, pressing lightly to make him squirm, massaging the puckered flesh. They were removed and returned in seconds, wet and slick to push in a bit.

Deeper and they separated, stretching, and curled, touching everything but the sensitive bundle of nerves. Desperate sobs made Envy smile and lick before twisting a little to press and rub roughly. Ed’s mouth opened in a silent scream and his body jerked hard enough to lift them both. Tanned skin contrasted with white fluid and the pink tongue lapped it up, teasing more moans free from the suddenly relaxed body.

Wet kisses shared the salt and gold eyes watched him from beneath dark lashes; sated and pleased, the blond was limp and more than willing to let his lover do as he wanted. He rolled easily when pressed and only squeaked a little to find himself pulled up to sit in Envy’s lap. His back pressed the smooth chest and his head tilted to the side. His arm reached back to tangle in the dark hair to hold him near and he offered his shoulder for kisses. An ear was nibbled and soft gasps made his lover nuzzle closer. Hardness nudged his entrance and he bit his lip while it entered slowly, filling him. Gold eyes rolled and flashed back open when a hard thrust seated the older boy deeper. A hard hand forced his head around to let demanding lips take his.

Soft opened and a silky tongue slid into the dominating mouth, earning a moan and firmer touches. Envy held still, content to be engulfed in slick and heat while he petted the gold boy into hardness again. His hands slid over smooth skin, examining the small scars, ones he’d put there and others, ones he’d watched placed on the sweet skin. He savored them, these symbols of strength and pain. Ed shifted in his lap, wriggling impatiently for more.

A smirk crossed his lips and he shifted too, lifting the spread thighs to seat himself again, beginning the rhythm that was so familiar. Gravity pulled the blond down, his weight settled directly over the hard cock and he writhed, tightening his muscles. The angle changed with each thrust, hitting and missing the bundle of nerves and short screams punctuated each hit, soft moans showing his disappointment with the misses.

Envy just laughed and thrust harder, pushing them both towards the edge. A white hand clawed across tanned skin and the other wrapped around the straining erection. A firm stroke and the short man was convulsing around him. Violet eyes closed and his head tilted back as he came, a low moan escaping his clenched teeth.

Finally the older boy started to shift a bit, leaning forward to see why Ed hadn’t started to move yet. He usually wiggled around a bit after a minute; he liked to clean up right away. A soft snore made him snort; the brat was asleep. His head shook and he lifted the blond off to set him to the side. A towel was used and Ed didn't budge except to curl around the warmth by his side. His hand clung to Envy’s and he lay down beside him for a minute.

Morning was bright and sunny but Ed dragged his feet, stalling until he was informed that he could go or not but decide now. He slumped and let himself be led to the workshop. He refused to eat and begged Envy to take Al away; he gave in and carried the kicking brat to the river. The older boy swam for an hour, keeping an eye on the young blond to make sure he didn’t sneak off. Another hour was wasted lying in the sun but it just wasn’t as fun by himself, so he jogged back to the house. The screams could be heard from the end of the path and he turned back. As soon as he heard his brother’s screams, Al started trying to get to the house; Envy hauled the fighting pest away.

Three hours later, they snuck back to silence. A pale hand was kept on the blond head, tangled in soft hair to prevent him from bolting. Winry was in the kitchen, washing her hands, tears sliding down her face. “Winry? Are you done?”

She whirled, splashing water on the floor. “Al! No, we’re just taking a break. It’ll be, a long time. We had to reset some of the ports too, in his leg, so it’ll take at least another four hours. You should go, he doesn’t want you to see him like this.” She completely ignored Envy, looking only at her friend.

“Oh, I, I guess.” He lifted a hand to press against the pale wrist. “You can let go, I won’t bother him.”

Violet eyes narrowed but he let go and turned to go to the operating room. “Wait, you can’t” He glared over his shoulder and she shrank back. The door opened and he peered in, staying in the door. He had no intention of letting his blond get an infection, he just wanted to see. Ed lay flat, his good leg strapped down, his arm free but marks at the wrist showed it had been tied.

He was unconscious, his entire body limp, pain gracing his features even now. The older man leaned in the door until the women came back and stepped out of the way to let them through. One last look and he turned away, grabbing the short blond on the way by. They sat by the river, watching it rush by them, ignoring each other until it was dark.

Envy insisted on staying in the same room, letting Winry stay as well to watch for infection or signs of rejection. Nothing, only a slight fever but it was gone in the morning.

Ed lay back, trying desperately not to move. The new arm and leg were heavy, heavier than his prosthetics had been and even breathing hurt. Envy stood over him, brushing his hair back. “Hey, pipsqueak, I’m leaving now. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks. Don’t go anywhere.” A snicker accompanied the last.

He started to move away and Ed grabbed with his metal hand and shrieked at the movement. He clutched frantically at the bit of fabric he’d snagged and panted out his questions. “Where are you going? Don’t leave me. Why can’t I go too?”

His hand was removed and set gently back on the bed. “It’s none of your business where I go. Stay here like a good boy and I’ll come back for you.” A final pat and he was gone, ignoring Ed’s yells for him to come back. Hours later, when the screaming had stopped, Al ventured in to check on him and found him collapsed by the bed.

“Brother! What are you doing, you can’t move yet!” He yelled for Winry to help him and started moving the heavier boy.

“Envy, he left, no, he left me.” The older blond babbled and fought the gentle hands. Winry clonked him on the head with her wrench and they lifted him while he was stunned. Sedatives were given and he talked to himself all night, fighting the effects.

Three days were spent sedated until he stopped trying to move around. Al sat by the bed and fed him, stretched the cramping muscles, and let him cry on his shoulder. Finally, he stopped and focused on healing, determined to be up and going to look for him. He forced himself to his feet, dragging around the house. Al sparred with him reluctantly, but what choice did he have? If he didn’t, Ed would just do it alone and push harder.

Another week passed and he was finally moving smoothly, if not as quickly as before. He ached nightly and slept restlessly, constantly seeking the warmth of another body. He was eating a fast lunch when the call came.

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

“Lieutenant, what’s this?” Roy was on his feet, already reaching for the phone.

“Those are the orders to retrieve Fullmetal, sir. I believe they wanted him back by next week.” Riza stood in the door, arms full of papers.

“How did they find out about him? Damn it all, we have to warn him, tell him to” The outer door slammed open and marching feet cut him off. Hawkeye moved to the side to admit the General.

“Colonel Mustang. We have reports that you are harboring a fugitive, the Fullmetal Alchemist, from the military. Is this true?”

A salute was snapped and the brunette looked straight ahead. “No, sir. Edward Elric is recovering from surgery and will be in attendance on the commanded date, sir.”

“The date of his audience has been changed. He is to stand trial for desertion as soon as he is returned to Central City.” Roy’s face remained blank but he was already calling Ed in his head and thinking of places for him to go. “As his former commanding officer, you have been assigned to retrieve him. You will leave immediately.” ‘And be watched carefully.’ The unspoken words echoed between them.

“Yes, sir. Lieutenant Hawkeye, prepare to leave.” He remained saluting until the General nodded and left, leaving two men to escort them out. A quick sideways glance and Hawkeye dropped a metal box from her desk, clattering and drawing attention to herself. Both young officers bent to help her clean up and Roy jotted two words on a piece of paper and tucked it under the edge of his desk, flicking his fingers to show Havoc where it was. They finished cleaning up, grabbed the last of their things and left. As soon as the sound of cars faded, Jean leapt to the desk and yanked the scrap out. Two words; “Call Ed.” Fuery was already dialing.

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

“I’ll get it!” Ed wandered over, his mouth still full. “Yep.”

“Ah, is this Rockbell Auto-Mail?” A thin voice slid through the line.

“Oh, yeah, right. Rockbell Auto-Mail, how can we help you?” A heavy sigh of relief.

“This is Master Sergeant Cain Fuery. I need to speak with Edward Elric right away.”

“Hey, Fuery! How’s it goin’? Black Hayate still roaming around?”

“Edward?” He sighed heavily. “You need to leave, they’re coming for you. They came and took the Colonel, he has to bring you back for the trial. You have to get out of there right away.”

“Whoa, no way. I’m not leaving, I have to stay here. He might come back, then I’ll be in trouble.” There was a scuffle on the other end of the line.

“Boss? Get your ass in gear, they just left, you’ve got two days to get out of there.”

Blond hair shook furiously. “No, I’m not leaving. They can’t take me.”

“Yes, they can! You’re a deserter! The Colonel risked his life to warn you; they could execute him if they find out!” Stubborn silence was the only answer. “Argh! Get me Alphonse! He has some sense.” Ed just shrugged and yelled for his brother. A brief discussion and he hung up.

“Brother.” Ed shook his head quickly. “Fine, let’s at least leave Winry’s. They don’t need this.”

“You aren’t coming either. Stay here, I’ll face them myself, they’re here for me.”

Al’s hands landed on his hips and he glared quite impressively for someone who had always been so submissive. “I’m coming, at least I can help with this. We’ll think of something.” The older blond looked at him and examined him as if for the first time. A faint smile; he really had grown into a man, young, but still.

“Alright, you can help. But, if it comes to actual fighting, you go, find Mustang, got it?” A quick nod and he drew his brother in for a conference.

Two days later, they were waiting at the hotel. It was empty, they had used military funds to encourage the keeper to take off. A dozen vehicles pulled up and blue clad bodies poured out to surround the building. The last car had the General, his aide, Roy, and Riza. They were greeted by Ed from the roof. “Turn around and go home. I don’t want to fight you.”

“Come down peacefully. You are under arrest for desertion and will stand trial immediately.” Roy stood behind his commander, face blank, inwardly cursing the stubborn brat.

“Nope, not gonna happen. I have to stay here. I’ll come back in a week or so.”

“This is not optional. Come down immediately.” The blond shrugged and ducked out of sight. They waited a minute then the order to move in was given. Ten feet from the door, the ground exploded, throwing dirt and grass into the air. Attention was grabbed by a bright flare over the inn and explosions began just out of sight, throwing the unit into chaos. “Fall back! He has reinforcements.” A small series of trembles under their feet made a straight line for the forested area to the South. “Ha! He’s underground! Thinks he can escape that way, does he? I thought this boy of yours was a genius, Mustang.” The General laughed in triumph and gathered his men to follow the tunnel.

Roy and Riza stayed behind, to ‘clean up.’ “Fullmetal, they’re gone.”

A blond head popped up and surveyed the area. “Good, took them long enough to notice, I used most of the arrays before he figured it out. How do idiots like that get to even be generals anyways?” He was brushing his knees off and hopped down easily, changing steps for himself.

“Who was helping you?” A second blond head popped up and followed his brother down.

“Colonel! I’m so glad you came!”

“Al? But who set off the explosions over there?” He waved in the direction of the previous explosions.

“Oh, that’s a really neat thing I came up with a while ago. Did you know, metal will conduct alchemic energy really long distances? So, as long as it’s connected, you can send the energy wherever you want! Like a telephone line. All I did was lead wires to where I wanted to blow up. It’s really easy.” Roy shook his head at the creativity of youth. “Help me make him go, please. I’m been trying and trying and he just won’t leave.”

“Shut up, I’m leaving. Fuck you’re stubborn! Anyways, Colonel, I need to leave a message with you, ok? When Envy gets back, he’ll come looking for me and the first place he’ll go is you.”

“Where is he? I expected him to be here.” The gold head bowed and looked away while his shoulders slumped.

“I, I don’t know. He just took off. But he’s gonna come back! He’ll come back for me.” It sounded more like a prayer than a fact and Roy looked away.

“Of course. What should I tell him?” The least he could do was pass on the message if he were ever asked. He waved and Al took off to talk to Riza, giving them a moment of privacy.

“Tell him to find me were we met the seventh. He’ll know what it means.” He looked up and grinned. “Now, you gonna take me to the station or what? I don’t have a lot of time here.” A reluctant smile and he was waved to the car.

“Brother, I want to come too!” Al clung to his coat and was gently disentangled and kissed on the forehead.

“No. You stay here and if Envy comes, send him to Roy. Look after Winry and Auntie, ok? Love you.” He turned and walked away, not looking back, even when Al cried out for him to stop. The last thing he heard before the door closed was “Love you too, Brother.” He smiled to himself and relaxed, leaning back against the seat.

Roy slid in beside him. “Why, Edward? Why are you so determined to stay with him?”

A gold eye cracked open. “Because, I made a deal. It’s not so bad, I like it most of the time. He’s good to me, looks out for me.” The eye closed again and a bit of red appeared. “And, I like him. A lot. It’s nice, to have someone focused entirely on you.”

A large hand landed on his shoulder. “What about me? I was good to you, I looked out for you, after you. I could focus entirely on you. Why?”

“Col, Roy. You don’t love me. You loved Maes and I’m a substitute, a second chance to protect him. And you did a great job, kept me alive far longer than I would have been without you. But, I can’t come and be with you, because I don’t belong with you. You know it.” Dark hair shook. “Yes, you do. Did you ever take Havoc up on his offer?” A dark brow arched. “Don’t tell me you didn't notice! Hey, Lieutenant?” He shoved the glass divider aside to talk to the blond woman.

“Yes, Edward?” She didn't look back but he could see her smile.

“Is Jean still crazy over his highness here?” She nodded and peeked at him, her eyes shining with laughter. He grinned back. “And you guys never thought to clue him in? Geez, it’s a wonder any of you get laid.” Both officers stared at him. “What? I know what sex is, thank you.” Roy coughed into his hand, hiding a smile at the defensive tone. “Anyways, back to the topic in discussion. You should give him a shot, he really adores you.”

“Ed” His lips tightened. “I can’t, I”

“What? Got yourself a girlfriend?” A smirk spread when the older man shook his head. “Give him a chance, he’ll be good for you. Might want to keep your hands to yourself in the office though, the Lieutenant might not like it too much.” He tossed a teasing grin to the blue eyes watching him in the rear-view mirror and got a nod back. The station was in sight and she stopped to let him out. He saluted sweetly. “Thank you, for everything, even the things I didn’t appreciate.” Roy’s mouth opened but Ed waved him off. “I’ll see you around, ok? I don’t know where he’ll take me but it’ll be beyond the military, so we’ll be safe.”

“Ed, I” A slim finger cut him off, pressed to his lips. Soft lips touched his cheek and were gone, an arm waving as he ran to the station.

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

Two weeks later, Roy snuck into his office, checking carefully for Hawkeye. His coffee break had turned into an hour long make-out session with Jean and he knew she had counted every minute of it. Surprisingly, the office was empty. He scooted into his office and closed the door with a sigh of relief.

“Hey they, playboy. You know, you ought to settle down, get married, have a kid or two. Like my little darling! See, she can walk and she holds my hand all the time, isn’t she just the most adorable thing ever?” ‘Oh god, oh god, oh please no.’ A perfect repeat of one of his many conversations with Maes, one of the last ones they’d had. His hand moved to the door handle. “I wouldn’t bother, they’re gone. You sent them for an early lunch.” A malicious snicker and the booted feet swung down from the desk, the old chair creaking as it swiveled. “Here, here, sit. It’s your office, after all.” Iron hands gripped his upper arms and he was maneuvered into position, only to have the Maes copy settle in his lap. “Now, imagine my surprise when I come back to fetch my pet and find that you took him somewhere. That little blond brat you left behind knew nothing, I made sure of that. A shame, too, he is terribly cute when he begs.” Roy swallowed. “Now, now, don’t fuss, he was alive when I left. Which, if you don’t tell me where he is, will be more than I can say for you. So, where is the runt?”

“How can he possibly want to be with you? He could have died if he’d gotten an infection trying to follow you! How can you treat him like that?” Frustrated fists clenched and the gloves rubbed a bit, creating tiny sparks.

“He belongs to me, I’ll treat him as I like. I told him I would be back, anything he does to himself is his own fault.” One of Hughes’ small blades appeared and ran up Roy’s cheek to rest against his good eye. “I won’t ask again, where is he?” The fidgeting hands stopped, frozen.

“He left a message for you. He thought you’d come here first, after me. If you hurt Al, he’ll never forgive you.” A careless shrug and the blade pressed a little, drawing blood. “He said to ‘find me were we met the seventh.’ You’d know what it meant.” A slight frown started then smoothed.

“Ha! Should have known he’d run back there. What a baby.” He hopped off, changing to a generic form, a blond private. “Well, see ya around!” The door opened before Roy could speak.

“Where are you taking him?” A wide grin over a slim shoulder made him regret asking.

“Nowhere you need to know about.” Maes flashed again, winked, and the boy was gone, whistling on his way out. Roy sat and stared after him blankly until the office came back and fussed over his cut.