Chimera

Yay, I'm so glad I didnt' lose you all completely! Thank you for reviewing, i know it's slow, but at least I'm moving, right?

Library

The evening passed quickly, arranging the house and reintroducing Ed to the library. The blond settled himself on the couch and didn't even notice Roy sitting beside him. The older alchemist insisted on bed at midnight and had to remove the book from the blond’s possession. Grumbling on the way to the door, he paused to look back at Roy tidying the room.

“Hey, um, Roy?”

“Hmm?” Pale hands sat on his hips as he surveyed the room, satisfied with his efforts. He turned to go to his room and almost walked into the shorter man. Ed was looking down, fidgeting with his shirt hem. “What’s wrong?”

“Ah, nothing really. I just wondered, ah, what does living with you as a couple mean?” Gold eyes peeked at him through the same shade of hair. “Should I kiss you goodnight or anything?”

Roy opened his mouth and closed it to think. “If you want to. You can do anything you want, and not do anything you don’t want to. It’s up to you.”

“So I can do anything I want?” Dark hair nodded. “Can you show me how to kiss?” The tips of his ears were red. A soft hand lifted his chin and gentle lips settled on his, pressing lightly. The full lips were coaxed open and a wet tongue licked the bottom one. The blond pulled back in surprise and Roy lifted his head. He licked his lips to get the last hints of Ed’s taste. Small hands tugged at his neck, pulling him back down for another, mouth slightly open and he licked again.

His tongue was met with a more hesitant one and he let it explore his lips and just inside his mouth. A minute passed and he had to pull back. “Enough. That’s all for tonight, ok?” His breathing was getting heavier; still under control but he wasn’t going to lose it on the first night.

“Why? Is something wrong?” Innocent eyes looked up at him in confusion.

He laughed and pressed their foreheads together. “No, but my control is only so good and it’s been a long time. Thank you, Edward. I’m glad you trust me enough to give me this.” A quick kiss to the tip of his nose and he pulled back. “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” Ed turned away and opened his door, glancing over his shoulder before closing it behind him.

Morning was early, Ed vibrating with energy. He’d made breakfast and was wandering the house when Roy dragged himself out of bed. “Morning. Coffee.” About the only two words he could manage. A cup was provided, strong and black, the way he liked it best. Three down and he was coherent. “Want to go shopping? Or would you like to go by the office?”

“I’d like to go by the office, I think. You said there were people who wanted to see me?” He smiled. “We can go shopping after, I want to check out the book stores.” Roy grinned at him and went to dress. They were out the door by noon, quite an accomplishment for a vacation day.

“Is this it? It’s huge!” Ed stared up at the tall building in awe. “You work here?”

Roy rubbed the back of his neck; he didn’t think it was that impressive. Of course, when all you knew was a town like Farigain… “Yep, even have a nice office in a corner now, windows on two walls.” Hawkeye had opposed the move; extra windows meant extra slacking. But appearances must be maintained and he’d won in the end.

“Neat. Can we go in? Did I used to come here?” The blond tugged his hand, pulling him past the guard, who leaned out of his booth to get a better look.

“Slow down, Ed. We have all day. I don’t even have to work today, one more day off. I’ll take you around the base, show you the library, everything, promise. I’d like to start with my own office, introduce you to everyone. And yes, you did come here, or rather, bolted in like you owned the place.” He laughed and Ed slowed down. “It’s not a bad thing, but thank you for waiting for me. I’d like to preserve some of my dignity.”

Gold eyes laughed up at him, “Ha, so you admit you’re an old man concerned with his dignity. Should have known, what with the gray bangs and all.” Roy started and reached into his pocket for his mirror. The blond stared at him and bent over, howling with laughter. A dark brow arched while he pointed. “I knew it! You do carry a mirror!”

“Hmph. There is nothing wrong with caring about one’s appearance.” He tried to salvage some of his pride but couldn’t coax it out of the corner it had fled to.

“Peacock.” But a friendly arm reached around his waist and squeezed quickly to pat any injured feelings. He messed blond hair and snickered when a frantic hand moved to fix it.

They opted to use the stairs and Ed turned off at the third floor, heading for the old office. “Ed, wait. My office is up here now.” Red rose in the high cheeks when he turned back.

“Sorry. I don’t know why I turned there; I don’t even know where I’m going.” He started by the older man and was grabbed by the arm.

“Ed, don’t worry about it. You’ll remember some things and not others. It’s not a big deal. Ok? Relax, it’ll work out.” The boy nodded and they started walking again, Roy’s arm around Ed’s waist, pointing out various people and whispering gossip about them as they made their way to the office.

“Hey, hey, General! Whatcha got there? Pretty little thing, what’s her name?” A big hand clapped Roy’s back, sending him forward from where he’d been whispering in Ed’s ear. He turned to inform Havoc of his error and had to duck a flying arm.

“Who are you calling so tiny and delicate he could be a little girl!” Ed had pounced, habit taking over. Blue eyes crossed in confusion and the officer mouthed silent words of shock.

“Ah, Lieutenant, allow me to introduce my friend, Edward Hayes.” He smirked when the man just stared. “He has agreed to come to visit us here at the office today and I was just showing him around. Ed, this is First Lieutenant Jean Havoc; unfortunately, he has no tact or sense of self control, so please forgive him.” Ed walked around the chair and examined the man in front of him carefully, frowning.

“Isn’t something missing?” Roy just smiled and let him think it over. “Tobacco, I don’t smell any! Or smoke.”

“Yep, Jean here has a picky partner, no smoking allowed. He says it’s gross and made him stop a couple of years ago.” He looked up when the door opened. “And here he is. Second Lieutenant Cain Fuery, meet Edward Hayes. Ed, this is our mechanics specialist and Jean’s partner.” The pale young man blushed before he got a good look at Ed. He choked and Jean stopped staring long enough to hit him on the back until he was breathing again.

“Ed? Is that you? I can’t believe this, we looked everywhere.” “Where were you? Where’s Al? What happened?” The questions stopped when Roy waved his hand. Both men saluted and fell silent.

“Not today. We just arrived an hour ago and haven’t even finished our tour. When we’re settled, we can talk. Come, Ed, let’s go get something to eat.” The young blond’s eyes were huge and he had pushed back under the onslaught of questions. His partner rubbed his back lightly and steered him to the cafeteria. “Are you ok, Ed? Want to go home for a bit?”

Blond hair shook. “No, I’m fine, thanks. It just takes some adjusting; everything here reminds me of things. It’s strange.” He took a deep breath and led the way to the usual table without a thought. They settled, receiving greetings from several officers while they ate. Ed was introduced; some people shot them speculative looks but no one said anything.

The office staff wandered in to sit, chatting and making conversation with Ed and fielding inquiries from other personnel. Roy dragged out his gloves and wore them to eat, preventing any overtly rude behavior and Riza’s gun took care of the rest. Ed told them where he had been and what he was doing, waxing on about how wonderful Al was and how much fun the shop was.

Their relations to him were explained and he asked detailed questions about things that had happened years ago, even if he didn't know what they always meant. For example, asking Breda if he’d married Dina yet, when he had no idea who Dina might be. Or laughing at an inside joke that hadn’t been explained to him. Little things but they allowed him to relax, feel like a part of the group again. By the time they left, he was flushed and laughing, completely relaxed.

Roy held his hand and ruffled his hair, laughing back at him. He shone and everyone turned to stare; he had barely smiled for years, never mind laughing in public and being affectionate with someone. Friends smiled and waved, showing support for the energetic former-Colonel they had all admired and adored.

Afternoon was spent together, shopping and exploring the city. Everything was new to Ed and Roy rediscovered his home through playing tour guide. He knew it was stupid and corny but he couldn’t help it; everything was still more fun with Ed. He even managed to sneak a quick kiss and a hug and his step bounced, the old spark back.

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

The library was fascinating. Seemingly endless rows of books, all undiscovered and in immediate need of reading. Roy let him run while he arranged a special pass to grant him access. In the ten minutes it took him, Ed had confiscated a table and piled it high.

“I’m staying here, I have to read these and these and, hey, what are those?” He bolted past Roy and was grabbed by the collar. The older man held him tightly while he struggled to escape, knowledge calling him to free it.

“Slow down. I got you something.” He handed the small card over and watched it be turned in reverence. “You can come anytime, preferably when I’m at work. I’d like you to be home when I am, so we can spend some time together. Alright?” The card was handled like it was made of diamonds.

“Really? I can come anytime?” The dark head nodded and he stumbled back with an armful of blond. “Thank you!”

“You are most welcome. Let’s go have lunch then I need to get back. The Colonel will be annoyed if I’m late on my first day.” Ed laughed and followed him to the cafeteria. Lunch was barely over before he was pushing back and bouncing off. “Five o’clock, Ed.” A careless hand waved and he was gone.

Weeks passed quickly, interspersed with soft kisses and hugs. They ate out frequently, neither much at cooking, but Roy’s salary could handle it. After all, he’d practically spent five years as a recluse, he could burn a bit on his darling. Ed lapped up the attention, adoring being adored, and his affection for the older man grew daily.