Promise

I did it! And in less that a month this time, too! (barely) I’m so good. *congratulates myself* Ok, now that that is out of the way, off we go! Thank you to everyone who reviewed, it keeps me moving along, slow as I may be. Nomdeplume, Rucina, I’m doing my best to pick it up. 4thcry and ursweetheartles, thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying it and thank you for the good wishes, my muse is behaving reasonably well. She only ignored me for a week, which is about as good as it gets. *L* Danielle Anderson, yeah, usually I prefer Roy as my top, but you gotta work with what you have. Nothing is set in stone, but I like to switch, so we’ll see. Thank you to everybody who read, even if they didn't review. And, just a quick note, I’ve allowed anonymous reviews, so no more signing in if you don’t want to.

Ok, so you’re all tired of hearing me ramble, so ready, steady, GO!

Chapter 3


Breda leaned on the car, smoking slowly. He could feel the eyes on him and tried to appear alert but calm. He hadn’t been in this area since the academy and only on a dare then. Heavy steps approached behind him and he turned quickly, free hand going to his hip. “Lieutenant, it’s us.”

A huge shadow moved out of an alley and the round redhead could just make out a blanket wrapped bundle in thick arms. Gold hair shook and Ed’s distinctive bangs peeked out at him, eyes bright. “Chief. Who’s he?”

“This is Joey, he’s just dropping me off.” The small form looked up and directed his carrier. “Put me in the back seat, please, Joey.” The older man watched as the door was opened and the big body knelt to place the bundle inside as if it were made of glass. “Thank you. Go home now, ok? Do you remember what I want you to tell Jaz?”

The thick neck flexed and the heavy head nodded quickly. “Yes, Eddie. You will come see her in three weeks. Will you see me too?”

“Of course I will.” A wide smile and the large man hugged him gently. The blond stiffened for a second but forced himself to relax and hug back, patting a wide shoulder. “Ok, go on. See you later.”

“See you later.” A quick wave and he lumbered to his feet, disappearing back down the alley.

“So, where to?” Breda put out his cigarette and slid into the driver’s seat, locking the doors securely.

“Dorm, please. Al should be waiting.” Short hair nodded at him in the rear-view mirror. The ride was over too quickly and Heymans moved to help the younger man out. Faint scrambling and he was on the other side of the car when the door opened.

They stared at each other across the backseat. “Ed, what are you doing?”

“Ah, well, AL! There you are!” Energetic waving and his brother ran around to the far side of the car to lift him out and hug him tightly.

Struggling did no good whatsoever. “Brother! Where have you been, the Colonel sent Fuery around and he wouldn’t say what had happened to you and is your leg broken?” A rush of words and he suddenly wished more than ever that his brother had to breathe; at least then he’d have a chance to speak.

Hard arms eased up a bit when he banged on the spiked shoulder. “Al, it’s good to see you. And yes, my leg is broken. Colonel and I got caught by Scar and I had to stay away until it was safe for me to come back. It’s ok, everything is fine.” The cool feel of metal under his fingers was soothing and he relaxed a bit. “Yeah, I’m back now so everything is fine.” Long hair slid over his shoulder and touched to his brother’s shoulder.

“Hey, Edward? I’m taking off. See you later, k?” The short man was leaning on the car, watching them.

The metal suit bowed quickly, almost squishing his small burden. “Thank you so much for bringing him back.” Ed mumbled a bit too. A slack salute of two fingers and the older male settled himself back in the car. Al waved as the vehicle moved down the street before turning back to his brother. “Brother, you have to tell me everything! And what happened to your arm and leg?”

“Eh heh, about that. They’re, um, gone.” The last word was a whisper, practically inaudible. “Winry is gonna kill me.”

“Of course she won’t.” The smirk was audible. “She’ll just beat you to a pulp and try out her latest model.”

Gold flared at him and a faint snarl vibrated in the blond’s chest. “You’re so loving and supportive. Take me inside, I need something to eat and a nap.” He let him fuss for the day and hid while Winry went on a small rampage.

She fussed and tried to pet, which he avoided for the most part, claiming he was tired and his leg hurt. Even he could tell he hurt her feelings but she was just so physical, touching his arm and shoulder, running her hands over his back while she worked on the auto-mail.

She had a spare set with her and he practiced with crutches while she worked on a new set for him. A week later, he was fairly proficient with his walking aids and let her set him up with the new auto-mail. They were sitting on the couch when she leaned against his shoulder, pressing her head into the curve of his neck.

He tried to edge away carefully and she grabbed his arm. “What your problem? And don’t try and tell me it hurts, because it doesn’t!”

“Geez, Winry, let go. What’s your problem, you’re all over me these days.” He managed to get free and scooted to the other side of the couch. “Maybe I just don’t want to be touched right now, ok?”

She frowned at him then stood. “You are such a jerk! You never tell me anything and now you won’t even let me be a little close to you.” Tears were gathering in her eyes and she wiped them furiously before stomping out and he could hear her steps running down the stairs.

“Fuck.” Somehow, this felt remarkably like the fight that had gotten him into this position in the first place. Why did they just go round and round in circles?

“Brother? Was that Winry who just ran out of here?” Blond bangs nodded and metal gauntlets fisted on wide hips. “Really, why do you have to make her cry all the time?”

“You know, did you bother to think it might not be my fault? That maybe I didn’t do anything?” They glared at each other. “You know what? You like her so much, you go after her.”

A heavy foot stomped. “Fine, I will.” The door slammed behind him and Ed flopped backwards.

“Just great. Now they’re both mad.” The ceiling was so very boring but he couldn’t think of anything else to do. There was no point going after either one of them, not as long as he was angry too, and not much else to do here. ‘Stupid Al, stupid Winry.’

A week later, he apologized, even though it wasn’t his fault, and things went back to normal. Al started talking to him again and Winry fixed the little squeak in his foot for him. He forced himself to hold still and let them fawn over him a bit, even choking down some of that, stuff, the blonde mechanic made for him. ‘She should definitely stick to apple pies!’

A letter from Mustang was brought by saying he had six months before he was due to report and the blond alchemist practically collapsed with boredom. Two weeks before he got to go see Jaz and THAT felt like forever. Breda picked him up and left him with Joey at the corner with a request to be back in six hours. Once a month the blond was freed, then dragged back for incarceration.

Some books were useful but most of the ones of interest were not allowed out of the library and Al certainly couldn’t get to them. Endless games of chess and cards wasted days and even the small weight set Jean sent him was boring after a few hours.

Every time Al left the room, Ed would sneak up and try to walk, pushing to be healed up. He could feel his muscles degenerating and worked hard to keep his strength up. At least his appetite was back and Winry had finally left, after nearly two months of forced smiles and gritted teeth.

At last, his treasured visit came up and he was handed off to Heymans for delivery. A final inspection and the cast was removed, leaving his leg thin and weak. “Damn it, I finally get that stupid thing off and I can’t even use it?”

Jaz just laughed and ruffled his bangs. “Time, Ed, give it time. Take it easy, stretch and do some light work and you’ll be up and running soon.”

Giggles from the door had him looking up and smiling at the bright faces peeking in. “All done, you can come in.” A rainbow of hair colors tumbled in and crawled on his bed, curling into his sides.

He’d been a bit nervous about having everyone know what had happened but no one said anything or looked at him funny, no one flinched when he pulled away or clung to them. It was comforting to let them fawn over him in a way Al or Winry could never do, could never understand. Gentle hands never touched him with other than friendly intent or tried to get him to touch them, nobody expected the odd kiss, no one expected him to be strong or upbeat or confidant. They just expected him to be there and exist.

Falling backwards was easy and they laughed and teased him, pampering their favorite outrageously. Treats were shared generously, mostly ones he’d brought before, chocolates, dried fruits, little games and toys, amusements for the girls. Every game was a group affair, even cards, with girls flitting around and checking everyone’s hands, whispers and information traded for jelly beans.

He was always sad to go but pleased to limp out on his own, Joey walking beside him, chatting away. The car was already running when he climbed in and patted the large man goodbye.

“Hey, Ed? What do you do here? Where do you go?” Breda looked at him in the mirror, watching the flush rise in the tanned face.

“Just somewhere. Don’t worry about it.” The redhead couldn’t resist teasing a bit.

“You aren’t taking advantage of the ‘ladies’ down here, are you?” A thick brow rose and a grin spread over the wide face. “Cause there are better.”

Anger flashed over the blond’s face before he turned to look out the window. “Don’t talk about them like that. They… Just forget I ever came here, please.”

Dark eyes narrowed but the large man just agreed quietly, all signs of teasing gone. “Sure, Ed. Whatever you want.”

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

Another month and he was walking quickly and could jog a little. Winry came back and fixed the auto-mail so he wouldn’t limp, shortening it a little to even out his stride. They went for supper and he got himself slapped when he refused to let her hug him; Al nagged him for being mean to the blonde girl and Ed ended up spending the night wandering the city.

Mustang was still refusing to see him, ignoring his demands to report and get moving. No matter how many times he showed up at the door, it was always closed and locked, and Hawkeye’s gun discouraged him from just letting himself in. Almost a month passed before he even saw his commander.

“Brother! Brother, get back here!” Ed just hurried faster, walking as quickly as he could. He’d hoped that by getting to a public place, Al would give it up, at least for the moment. But he refused to run; that level of cowardliness was too much even in the face of his younger brother's wrath.

“Go home, Al.” Heavy steps were gaining on him and he moved faster. Still not running, dammit.

A long arm reached out and the metal gauntlet grabbed at his hood, bringing him to an abrupt halt. “No, I won’t! I can’t believe you would…”

“Aaallll” The name was drawn out in warning and the red hood was wrestled free.

“No, Brother. Winry is waiting for you and you go to, to some, somewhere like that!” Large hands rested on the armor’s hips. “You actually went to a”

There was a muted clink as Ed’s auto-mail finger hit the gray breastplate. “Leave it alone, Al. That’s enough.”

“Brother, you” Ed’s fragile temper snapped and he screamed up, face red and chest heaving.

“Shut up! Just shut up, you don’t know anything!” They stared at each other, angry and hurt.

Spiked shoulders slumped and the thin voice sounded defeated. “Why, Brother?” Ed cringed a bit. “Why would you go to whor” He was cut off by the loud slapping of palms and stared at the iced over gold eyes; he suddenly realized maybe he’d gone a bit far. As long as Ed burned hot, things were fine; once he cooled off and shut down, things may not be forgiven.

A low voice interrupted them. “Fullmetal! There you are, I’ve been looking for you!” Roy leaned further out his window, smoothly cutting the fight off before it got worse. “Come up here right away.” The dark head retreated and the window slammed shut, effectively cutting off any argument.

“Sir, what are you doing away from your desk?” A little start and he turned and grinned brightly at the blonde woman standing behind him.

His hands spread wide in greeting. “Lieutenant! How wonderful of you to check on me!” Her foot tapped at him and he sat down, leaning his chin in his hands. “Fullmetal is on his way up and I have things to discuss with him. Clear the office, lunch can be early today. And long. How does three hours sound?”

A pale brow rose and she looked him over, taking in the sweet smile he liked to use to escape work so often and the lack of laughter in his dark eyes. “Of course, sir. Please finish these by the time we come back.” A pile of folders dropped onto his desk and she clipped out, ignoring the forlorn whine behind her.

He was halfway through by the time his youngest subordinate made it all the way up, heavy boots stomping and loud curses preceding him. “Fullmetal, how nice of you to come.” The dark head didn’t look up, a gloved hand waving to the small couch.

“What d’ya want? You’ve ignored me for two months and now we’re almost nine behind.” Red floated over the black couch and the blond flopped on top of it.

Silence stretched while the brunet finished his pile of papers. “Well, I have an important mission for you.” The smaller alchemist ‘uh huh’ed and waited. “I’m going to redecorate my office and you’re going to help me!”

Ed’s mouth moved silently in shock and he shot off the couch, arms flailing. “You, you, you useless, time wasting, incompetent”

“Fullmetal.” The single word froze the blond in mid rant. “I’m thinking of cutting my office in half. Someone as important as me should have a space by himself, don’t you think? Right here, I think.” A few steps and he pointed out a small indentation on the molding around the edges of the office; a bug, one that Fuery had found the first hour after they moved in.

Amber eyes narrowed but he played along, muttering about useless idiots while he walked the line for the new wall. It would separate the room into thirds, cutting out the little electronic transmitter. A loud clap the floor rose up to the ceiling, the wall matching the rest of the office seamlessly. “There, nice enough for an important guy like you?” A sarcastic flip of the thick braid and he walked through the door into the new room.

“Why yes it” The door clicked and Roy stopped talking, walking over to sit on his desk, facing the blond on the couch. “Well? What was going on down there? It’s unlike you two to fight in public.”

“None of your business.” A dark brow rose and the brunet stared his alchemist down. “Fine. He found out, about, that place, and he’s mad. Won’t tell me where he heard it either.” Suspicious gold landed on the older man for a second but he didn't ask.

“Aren’t you going to ask if I told him?” Long hair shook slowly; he knew it hadn’t come from Mustang, because Roy may press the truth but he didn’t lie. And he had promised. “So nice to know you trust me.”

The snort had a hint of laughter. “Hardly. Why did you call me up? After avoiding me for months, I doubt you suddenly want my report.”

“Not particularly, it won’t be that interesting.” A folder was picked up and fanned slowly. “I do, however, have a report of you beating some new recruit into the ground.” A bit of red crept in the tanned cheeks. “And I quote; ‘I walked up behind him in the hall and tapped him on the shoulder so I could get by. He started yelling at me and punched me in the stomach.’ It goes on from there, but I’m certain you remember. Really, I’m certain he didn’t mean anything by reaching down to touch your shoulder.” A faint hiss from the blond but he was too busy staring at the floor to have a fit over the slight to his height. The folder was set down and blue covered arms crossed. “Edward, what happened?”

The edges of the white gloves started to fray as Ed picked at them in the silence. Neither said anything, Roy sitting patiently and Ed trying to decide what to say at all. A little thread was tugged out and played with idly, trailing over the black pants in little designs. “I didn’t see him.”

“If you punched him in the stomach, you must have been facing him.” Roy pushed up and started unbuttoning his jacket, shrugging it off and tossing it over his chair.

“No, I mean. I didn’t see him coming up behind me or reaching for me. I just caught the edge of his hand out of the corner of my eye.”

“So you were scared?” The embroidered gloves were tugged off and folded into a pocket.

“I was not!” A heavy fist rattled the couch and dark hair shook briefly at the display.

“Fullmetal, come over here.” He waited while the blond worked it out, stood and walked over to stand just out of range. “Here.” A pale hand was held out to touch and was eyed distrustfully.

“What? Get away from me, you pervert.” He didn’t move, standing safe in the belief he was out of range.

A light sigh and slender fingers waved. “Come on, touch it.” Shock met his smirk. “Unless of course you’re scared.”

Furious growling and his hand was slapped away with the auto-mail. “I am NOT afraid of you!” A step back, then another brought him to the couch again and he sat, arms crossed. “You’re such a moron, thinking I’d be afraid of you. I can kick your ass any day.”

“And yet, you couldn’t put your skin to mine. Come on, Fullmetal, surely you aren’t afraid of contact with men.” Of course he would be, at least leery, but this was the military and there was no room for that kind of fear in either of their paths; Roy took a slow step forward, then another, letting the blond see him clearly and watching for signs of attack.

The small form pressed back against the rough fabric and the metal leg kicked out, trying to trip his commander before he could get closer. The heavy boot missed a full hit but skimmed a slim ankle, turning it enough to send the taller alchemist pitching backwards. Instinct had him grabbing for balance and his hand tangled in Ed’s tank top, dragging him down to lay sprawled across the white shirt.

They stared in shock, frozen, and neither heard the door open. “Excuse me, sir, I forgot to give these to you before lunch and” Riza Hawkeye, First Lieutenant to Colonel Roy Mustang stood in the door and stared as the man she loved rolled around on the floor with a younger man.