Promise

Wow, lots of reviews! I'm glad you liked it. I didn't really mean to be horrible to Winry, but she does have to go, especially if Ed and Roy are to enjoy each other. And I really feel badly for Riza too, cause I kinda like her.(she grows on you) Thanks to: Frozen_taho, nomdeplume, TwilightHunter, michelle, 4thcry, and Usagi Yuri for reviewing, you guys move me along even when I don't want to budge. Ok, I'm done, it's getting late, so on to the chapter! Long one this time.



Chapter 4

“Riza, it’s not what it looks like!” The words weren’t even out before he realized they were the six most guilty words in the universe. “No, I, Ed was, on the” And he suddenly realized he couldn’t explain even if she did give him the chance. Ed was staring at him; horror, fear and hope mixing in a pained look.

“Of course, Sir. It’s your business what you do with whom.” The folders snapped down on his desk and she walked out, back straight. The usually calming clip of her steps, steady as a heart beat, was discordant and harsh in his ears as the door closed with a firm click.

He stared at the door, not even registering when the blond crawled off quietly. Uneven steps moved across the room, well out of reach. “Um, you could have explained.”

Dark eyes cut to the small figure looking out the window, back carefully turned. “Oh? I was under the impression you didn’t want anyone to know.” The floor seemed unusually cold under his palms as he pushed himself to sit, knees bent.

A faint flush brushed the tips of the younger man’s ears. “No, I mean, I’m glad you didn’t.” A gloved hand wandered over the clear glass, tracing unseen circles and designs. “You, didn’t have to have her be mad at you. Not for me.”

A faint hum and the brunet shoved to his feet, brushing his pants down and tucking the edge of his shirt in where it had slipped out. The chair looked safe and he settled into it, hands clasped. “Anything sensitive you wish to say must be said now. By tomorrow, this room will no longer be safe.” The familiar routine of officer and subordinate was comforting for them both and Ed turned to report quietly.

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

The bell was ringing. It had been ringing for almost twenty minutes now and she fully expected her neighbor to go down and open the door any minute. Fine, she’d just have to get it herself and tell that asshole off while she was at it.

A snap and the door flicked open to show Roy standing huddled against the rain still in his work coat. “Sir.” Not her usual greeting on the rare occasion he showed up, but she wasn’t in her usual good mood either.

“Ms. Hawkeye. May I come in?” Formal words and he stood tall, shoulders back; every inch the proud man she’d fallen for.

She almost told him to leave but couldn’t make herself say it. The door opened a bit more, allowing him in and he followed her up to her apartment, petting Black Hayate when he hung his coat up. “Why are you here, sir?”

“Riza.” She turned her back and busied herself with making tea. “About this morning…” Cool eyes watched him over her shoulder and he fell silent, unsure what he could say.

“It is your business what you do and with whom, as I’ve already told you. You do not have to explain to me.” A cup was set in front of him with a clink. “Though, I do not believe Edward is a suitable partner for you; he is too young and directly under your command. If it is found out, he may become a major block to your goal.”

“I am not having a relationship with Fullmetal! It was an accident, I slipped!” Light brown watched him point his spoon at her, waving it in agitation.

“And what, sir, were you doing in a newly created, closed office, wandering around with your jacket off and close enough to have such an accident?” Her temper got the better of her and she snipped at him, even after she’d promised herself she wouldn’t.

Roy jerked back, eyes wide; Riza may be strict and have a quick tongue, but she never snipped at him, not meanly. “I.” A deep breath, in and out. “I can’t tell you. I made a promise and I have to respect it.”

“I see.” She stood and poured her untouched drink down the sink. “I believe it is time for you go now, sir.” His cup was grabbed and he clung, callused fingers wrapped around it to prevent her from removing it.

His fingers tangled with hers and wriggled until he’d captured her hands. “Riza, don’t be like that. Trust me.”

Delicately lashed eyes narrowed dangerously before her hand twisted free of his grip and slashed across his cheek. “Trust you? I have trusted you, with your women, trusted you to move forward, to not get distracted from your goal, trusted you not to betray me with a child!” Anger brought a dark flush to her cheeks and her eyes glittered with tears. “Get out. Please do not come here again.” A push and she turned to lean on the counter, back shaking with rage and hurt.

His hand reached out to touch her shoulder and was slapped; she moved away to put the table between them. “No, I’m not leaving until you forgive me!” The brunet lunged around the small table, trying to grab her wrist.

His wrist was snapped back, a strong pull brought him off balance, and a small foot hooked behind his knee, sending him flying to the floor. The click of a safety made him freeze on his knees and dark eyes looked up the barrel of her favorite gun, following the long, steady line to meet wet brown. “Then you’ll never leave.” For the first time, he felt fear that she might actually shoot him and slid his blank mask into place. Another tear fell at his shutting her out; a long step back and she was well out of range, her gun pulled back to point to the ceiling. “Go.”

Her superior, her love, sat quietly for a minute, staring at the gun in her hands, then pushed himself up. Cool black looked at her for long minutes in silence. “I’m not doing anything wrong.” The long coat was grabbed and he stalked down the hall, slamming the outside door behind him. The neighbor, finally awake, banged on her wall and she slid to the floor, gun cradled to her chest while she cried.

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

It was late, much later than he’d anticipated but he’d needed time to calm down from fighting, and from the scare Mustang had given him. Though, once he thought about, it wasn’t that bad, not nearly as terrifying as he’d thought it would be. Maybe he should at least send that new kid some flowers or something, maybe candy to clear the taste of the hospital food out of his mouth.

The door to his room was cracked open and he could hear voices inside; a few quiet steps and curiosity got the better of him. He leaned on the wall and listened for a second. “Stupid Ed, he’s such a jerk.”

“Winry, he doesn’t mean to be. Ed’s just, well, he’s been extra touchy lately. But going to that place, of all things.” The thin voice lowered and Ed couldn’t make it out for a minute. He could hear rustling and a faint ting of metal on metal.

“That idiot.” A loud sniff and he leaned on the door, letting guilt rush over him. “Why would he do something like that?” A few seconds of crying. “You’d never do something like that, would you Al? I wish you were back.”

Ed shivered and leaned harder, pushing the door open a bit. “I’m sure you do. And I’ll get him back for you as soon as possible. Then you can have your wonderful, not a jerk Alphonse.” He glared at the pair sitting before him, Winry curled in Al’s big lap, arms wrapped around one thick arm.

“Ed! What are you doing, coming back so late? We were worried.” Al glared at him, conveying his annoyance as well as he always had.

“Yep, looks like it. I’m just here for some clothes, don’t mind me.” He grabbed a knapsack and stuffed a few shirts, some underwear and socks, and an extra pair of pants in before sliding it over his shoulder, ignoring Winry’s voice. His brother tried to stop him at the door but he ducked under his arms, the thin voice barely audible through the buzzing in his ears.

He could hear the armor chasing him and bolted down the street, turning into an alley and climbing the fire-escape quickly before jumping to the next and back down to the street. Al called for him but he kept going, covering the ground quickly, even though it was slick with rain.

His favorite tree came into view and he walked past, to one a few meters over; even if Al came looking for him, he’d just check his usual spot and keep moving. He jumped, dragging himself up to a branch high enough to be partially protected from the wind and cold water. It was dark and the rain continued to lash at his skin, but it was quiet, in the dull way really loud places are and the street lights flickered between the leaves, dancing to the wind.

It wasn’t long before he started to get tired of thinking alone and began considering going to a hotel for the night. A soft sigh and he pushed himself forward and prepared to jump down. A step came from near his landing area and the blond froze, hands hovering close. A distinctive snap and he looked down at wet black hair. Muttered swears and a lighter was flicked a few times; the sweet smell of tobacco curled along the tree trunk and Ed took a deep breath. Dried tobacco and smoke always smelled so nice, soothing and a bit heavy, even if cigarettes made him gag the few times he’d tested them out.

The blond leaned back, relaxing a bit and letting the unknowingly shared smoke slide over his skin. A few minutes and the cigarette was snuffed out with a sigh; the smaller alchemist leaned over, hooking his legs around the branch and swung down to talk. “Hey, Mustang.”

The brunet started and whipped a gloved hand up to snap while his other went for his gun. Gold blinked at him and they both stared at the wet glove; the air didn't even warm up. “What the hell are you doing, Fullmetal?”

“I can’t believe you were that careless. I could have been anyone else and you’d be dead.” A twist and the flexible little body dropped, landing neatly on his feet. “What are you doing out here, anyways? And I didn’t know you smoked.”

The smoking issue was ignored handily. “I can’t believe you just popped up in front of me like that! I could have killed you, do you realize that?” The younger man snorted and shook his head, letting droplets fly from his bangs.

“Nah, you couldn’t even light your cigarette.” A dark brow rose and a smirk teased the edges of thinner lips. “Yes, I was here first. And you, useless as you are, didn’t even notice. What happened, she kick you out?” Dark eyes looked away, pale face blank. An uncomfortable ‘oh’ and they stood in silence, watching the rain fall, heavy droplets falling from the leaves into their hair.

“And you? What are you doing out here? Still fighting with Al? Or Ms. Rockbell?” Wide shoulders twitched at the direct hits and they went back to watching rain slick the street.

“Pretty sad, aren’t we?” Wet dark shoulders moved in a slow circle and Ed sighed.

Roy flicked the hood of the red coat up, yanking it over the long bangs and ignoring the wild struggles. “Come along, Fullmetal. May as well get inside.”

“Huh? Where are we going?” Mismatched steps followed the sharp click of Roy’s heels, clearly audible even over the falling water. “Hey, this is a nice place, who lives here?” A short apartment complex, with a hint of garden in the front and balconies at each apartment rose before them and the brunet walked to the door, selected a key and held the door open for his subordinate. “Um, are you sure? I can go to a hotel or something. Hawkeye will be pretty pissed if she finds out.”

Dark eyes looked him over with a smirk. “They’ll never let you in, not looking like that.” The blond huffed; so he was a bit bedraggled but it wasn’t that bad. “And I just can’t seem to make myself care if she would be annoyed or not right this instant. Come in, at least get dried off a bit before you try to find somewhere to stay.” Ed almost said no but there was something, desperate, needy in the too carefully blank gaze waiting for his decision and he followed quietly.

Up carpeted steps and down an evenly lit hallway to a door near the end; there was a window looking over the back of the building and Ed peeked out, watching the city lights through the mist between buildings. The lock clicked as it turned and the older officer stood back to let him in. “Are you sure? I can still just go to a hotel. It’s not a big deal.” It felt a bit uncomfortable, to be alone with this man; he was usually cool towards the teen and they didn’t really spend time together.

“It’s up to you, but I don’t mind. I invited you, after all.” That trademark smirk flashed, a bit brittle but still there. “I’m not going to leap on you.”

Pink moved up the tanned cheeks and the blond growled a bit, stomping forward and squeezing by. He stopped in the entrance, dripping water from his clothes and not sure what to do next; he almost never went anywhere other than his own apartment or the Rockbells’ house. Or work, but that didn’t count as social, really, regardless of what the Colonel’s office would have you believe.

“Coat?” The garment was undone and tugged off uncertainly; it hung beside the soaked black jacket, worn and a little faded, edges frayed. A direct contrast to the brunet’s coat, which looked new, not a rip or snag to be seen. “Fullmetal, Edward, relax. Just come in, the bathroom is around the corner. I’ll find you something to change into while your clothes dry.”

The blond toed his boots off and arranged them nicely beside the black shoes, lining them up neatly. “Naw, it’s ok. I’ll just dry these quick. Be right back.” The bathroom was easy to find and a quick look showed it to be as neat as the rest of the apartment. He stepped into the shower and closed the glass door; a quick clap and water steamed off him, hitting the cool glass and condensing to run down the sides.

A vigorous shake got some of the water out of his hair and he wrung it out as best he could; no towels were visible and he opened the door to ask for one and almost ran into Roy, who had a hand raised to knock, towel in hand. “Ah!” The blond scrambled back and barely managed to keep his feet, leaning against the counter.

The blank face didn't even flicker, completely ignoring the retreat and fear clinging to the edges of the blond’s face. “I thought you might need a towel. Are you sure you don’t want me to dry your clothes?” Ed finally noticed his superior officer had changed and was wearing casual clothes, hair ruffled from its own recent encounter with a towel.

“Oh, thanks.” The blue cloth was grabbed quickly, careful to keep his distance; even if it hadn’t been as bad as he’d thought, touching Mustang hadn’t exactly been fun either. Soft cloth rubbed his bangs quickly and he started to unravel the tight braid. “No, they’re dry.” A few droplets hit his shoulders, leaving little dark patches on the black cloth and getting an easy grin. “Well, almost.”

The brunet smiled back a bit and headed to the kitchen. “Coffee alright? I’m afraid that or water is all I have.” The towel covered head nodded at him and he set out two cups and a bowl of sugar. He managed to avoid the cupboard of whiskey, one of the main reasons he’d asked the blond up; it remained his policy not to drink in front of his subordinates, even when he needed one as badly as he did right now.

Teaspoons of the sweet crystals were added to thick coffee and a cautious sip was taken from the blond’s cup; Roy left his black, as always. It was strangely comfortable, to just sit and not say anything, not even really look at each other, just be there, letting their presence fill the small kitchen.

Ed took advantage of the quiet to look around, taking in the clean and slightly worn furniture, the simple framed art on the walls and shelves of books lining the bottom half of the living room area. “It’s a nice place.” Much nicer than the dorm he shared with Al, which was just a room with two beds and a place to put his suitcase; this actually felt like a home, somewhere to come to be safe.

Roy was quiet for another minute, taking the time to look around with new eyes. It was nice, comfortable, with signs of himself everywhere; his favorite books, his pictures on the wall, the carpet, curtains, and furniture he’d chosen. “Thank you.”

Another cup of coffee was refused and Ed started to get ready to go. There didn't seem to be a point to drying his bag, it would just get wet again, and he may as well wait until he got to a hotel where he could lay everything out. “I should go. Um, thanks for the coffee. And for letting me dry off.”

His host picked up the cups and rinsed them carefully. “You’re welcome to stay, the couch isn’t too bad. And it’s still raining pretty heavily.” The bottle of whiskey called him and he tried not to look over at the cupboard; one would definitely not be enough. The blond shifted around behind him, one boot half on while he thought about it.

‘Maybe it would be ok. Not like I’m going back or anything and this is nicer than any hotel I’ll find at this time of night.’ The boot was toed back off and he hung his coat back up. “If you’re sure it’s not a problem. Can I use the bathroom to hang my stuff up?”

“Here, I’ll get hangers.” Relief was repressed quickly and the brunet rummaged through his closet to get the required items. Blankets and a pillow were dug out of storage while the blond hung his extra clothes along the shower door to dry. “Good night, Edward. There’s food in the fridge and extra towels in the bathroom.”

The blond stood beside the couch, fussing with the blankets, still fully dressed. “Ah, yeah, G’night.” Roy flicked the light switch and slipped out, closing his bedroom door quietly; the younger man wouldn’t change if he thought there was any chance of being walked in on.

Ed was up early and read for a bit before going to have a shower; after nine, anyone who wasn’t up deserved the extra noise. Though, it was so typical of Mustang to sleep in, just because it was Saturday. The faint chime of the doorbell came over the running water and he started to hurry up, rinsing the heavy soap from his hair. A solid bang on the door and he called back that he was almost done. “Just a second.”

Roy looked at the door, hit it again to encourage the blond to hurry it up and went to answer the door; maybe it was just a neighbor or something, someone who could be sent away without coming in. Anyways, who the hell visited at nine o’clock on the weekend?

Riza stood on the step, waiting; her hair was down, and a button blouse and knee length skirt gave her the appearance of waiting for a date. Roy suddenly felt extremely disheveled in his sleeping pants, mussed hair, and bare chest. “Ms. Hawkeye. What can I help you with?”

“May I come in?” The usually confidant and cool eyes wavered a little, uncertain of her welcome. After last night, it was entirely conceivable that he wouldn’t want to see her.

The alchemist stepped back, opening the door wider. “Of course. I was just getting up. Would you like some coffee?” Blonde waves nodded and he pointed the way to his kitchen, waving her into a chair while he grabbed a shirt from the closet and tugged it on.

Muted clinks from the pot and cups as he drew them out almost masked the continued sound of the shower; Riza kept looking toward the sound, shifting a bit in her chair. “Is this a bad time?” A questioning hum from the brunet. “It sounds like the shower is running.” She carefully refrained from addressing him by either his name or title, preferring to wait until she knew how this meeting would go.

Black eyes widened and he took off, darting down the short hall and slipping quietly into the steamy room, eyes closed. “Edward!” He hissed, loudly enough to be heard over the shower; a faint yelp came from inside and a wet blond head peeked out.

“What the hell are you doing?” Slim hands waved frantically for him to keep it down and he lowered his voice. “Get out!”

“Riza’s here, turn the water off. I’ll get rid of her as soon as I can.” Gold flared and he dove for the tap, flipping it off immediately. Damn, that last little bit of soap still clung to his hair, making it itch a bit. Maybe he could brush it out and have another shower when he got back to the dorms.

The door closed behind him and Roy leaned on it for a minute before heading back to the kitchen. “I forgot about it when I answered the door.” Which was kind of true, he’d been so shocked to see her, he’d forgotten about Ed in the shower. A full cup was handed to him silently. “Thank you. What can I do for you?”

“I did some thinking last night, after you left.” A faint blush as she leaned on the counter. “I, wanted to apologize, for threatening you like that. It was uncalled for, and I’m sorry.”

The dark haired man sighed and put his cup down. “Riza, it’s fine. You were upset and misunderstood.” He reached out and wrapped his hands around hers on the hot cup. “I want you to believe me, I’m not having a relationship with Fullmetal, and I am moving forward as quickly as possible towards my goal.”

A faint smile and full lips brushed his. “I know. I believe in you, Roy.” Pink flushed her cheeks further as he leaned in, pressing little kisses to her lips. “I, should go. Before anyone sees me here.” Spiky bangs brushed her forehead and dark eyes stared into blue.

“I suppose.” A light sigh and a final kiss before he helped her with her coat and opened the door for her. “Oh, Riza, I had a question about one of yesterday’s files.” The door closed again and they slid back into their familiar roles, discussing reports and strategies.

Neither noticed the uneven steps approaching until the muffled voice spoke. “Hey, Mushtang, whach fer brekfasht?” Ed was staring at the ceiling in concentration, arms stretched behind his head while he braided his hair, the band tucked in his mouth; the blond hair was still damp, obviously just out of the shower and he was wearing his usual black pants and only the tank top, black jacket snugged around his waist, bare toes peeking out from under the hem of his pants.

Roy gawked and Riza moved her mouth in disbelief; she turned to stare at the man she’d sworn to follow, back stiffening slowly. A sharp crack alerted Ed to her presence, her hand flashing through the air to slam against Roy’s pale cheek. He stared in shock at the furious glare directed at him, red climbing his cheeks.

“Ow! What was that for? You SAID you believed me.” Roy clapped a hand to the injured area, rubbing gently to take the sting away.

Tears were gathering in the light eyes and she wiped them furiously. “I did, idiot that I am. But here you are, wandering around half dressed, Edward in your shower, LYING to me!” Even wet, the glare was as cold and frightening as always. “What is so important that you can’t tell me?”

The question set him back and he looked at Ed, standing there, staring at the floor, toes curled. “I made Edward a promise and I will not break it.” She continued to glare at him and the brunet glared back; this was so unfair! “I did not lie! You never asked if he was here, and I’m not doing anything with him.”

The small blond alchemist stuck out his tongue. “Ick, no! Like I would let him near me!” A bit of relief was there, lurking in the big eyes, hiding under the disgusted look.

“Shut up, Edward. Riza, listen, he just needed somewhere to stay, just for the night, and it was late and” A hand flipped up, cutting him off.

“Sir, I do not want to hear it. I am going home and will see you on Monday. Please be on time and prepared to work.” The door shut behind her, the internal lock clicking into place, and fast steps moved down the hall.

“Riza!” He scrambled for the lock, cursing the stubborn mechanism when it stuck. “Riza!” She was already gone, the clip of her shoes on the stairs fading. A second’s indecision and he bolted back to his apartment, shoved Ed out of the door and dug through his closet, looking for his gun.

The sturdy weapon was loaded as he ran, racing down the stairs and into the street. A round was fired into the cement between his feet, sending little shards flying. “Riza!” She was already at the end of the block, walking quickly, blonde hair swinging with each stride. At the shot, she spun and crouched, drawing her own weapon.

“Sir, get down!” Her eyes scanned the street, then up, looking for a sniper. Clear, not a sign anywhere. She looked back to see Roy still standing there, gun in hand, staring after her; a cautious approach brought her to stand beside him, still looking for danger. “Where did it come from?”

She was suddenly engulfed in strong arms and the acrid scent of gun powder brushed her nose. “You came back! You do love me!” Tense shoulders slowly relaxed as she realized there was no danger and she put her gun back in its holster at the small of her back. A gentle push gave her some breathing room and a firmer shove freed her.

Pain clenched in her chest, fighting the anger at his childishness. “I didn’t say I didn’t. I said I don’t want you anymore. Goodbye, Sir.” Slim shoulders squared and she walked away, ignoring the whined pleas from behind her.

Roy knelt where he’d fallen, staring after her; the sounds coming out of his mouth were pathetic, begging, but he couldn’t seem to stop. She had disappeared a while ago, and he still sat there, hands clenching, last night’s rain soaking into his pants. “-ng, Mustang, Mustang.”

Ed was standing behind him, repeating his name over and over, gun held awkwardly in his hands. “Get up.” The brunettdidn't move to stand, just turned his head back to stare after his blonde Lieutenant. “Hey, come on you bastard, get up.” A boot prodded at the taller man, still with no response. The gun was unloaded clumsily and tucked into his pants, bullets in his pocket. Ed swallowed and reached out, poking a metal finger at a pale arm, which was starting to shiver a bit. Still no response and he took a deep breath; no choice, unless he wanted to have a sick commander on his hands.

“I’m taking you inside now.” A few more deep breaths and the blond fisted his metal hand in the loose shirt, lifting the brunet to his feet with a grunt. The older alchemist swayed a bit and Ed ducked under his arm to drag him inside. He was almost dead weight and the blond grunted as he lifted; memories of another heavy weight shoved at his mind and were stomped mercilessly. No time for that, have to get upstairs, warm, and dry.

The stairs were difficult, to say the least. Finally, he propped his superior against the wall while he fumbled with the key and got the door open. Folded blankets were kicked off the couch and the long body dumped in their place. “Aw, hell, you’re bleeding. Where’s your first aid box?” A slow wave towards the bathroom and the blond went to rummage in the cupboard for bandages and antiseptic.

By the time he got back, Roy was huddled on the couch, arms around his knees and shivering enough for his teeth to chatter. “Fuck. Come on, change already.” Dark eyes didn’t open and the shivering continued, as if he hadn’t heard the order. “Mustang, move it.” Still no response and full lips tightened; he’d just have to do it himself.

He forced the slim body to lengthen out a bit, pulling his arms apart and shoving his legs down. A tentative hand stretched out and plucked carefully at the thin shirt, trying to get the buttons undone with one hand. The other joined it when the tiny buttons stuck firm; cloth was pulled away from the shaking chest, then down shivering arms. “Come on, bathroom. A hot shower will warm you up and I’ll make you some coffee.” He was followed automatically, pleased to get a response of some sort. “Ok, you have a shower and I’ll make something to eat.” The door closed behind him and he leaned against it for a minute.

‘Better call Al and let him know I won’t be back for a bit.’ The fact that they were fighting didn't seem to matter as much anymore. A quick call and breakfast was started. Plates were filled and set on the table and Roy still wasn’t out. A firm knock and Ed pressed his ear to the wood. No sounds of the shower, no little movements from inside.

“Mustang? What are you doing?” Not a sound and the blond opened the door slowly, peeking carefully before he stepped in and set his hands on his hips. “What the fuck?” Roy was sitting on the toilet, head hanging between his hands, slow tears running down his face. “Aw, hell.” Great; he couldn’t believe he was just sitting there, crying and shivering. ‘What would I want?’ The answer only took a second. ‘Nobody to see me.’ Alright, plan B; ignore it and it’ll go away. Childish, but effective.

A towel was dropped over the dark head and Ed skirted the silent brunet to start the bath running, making it just above skin temperature. “Alright, off your ass, lazy.” Metal fingers wrapped around a slim arm and dragged the taller man to his feet. “Strip or I’m putting you in there with your pants on.” His face felt like it was burning, the way his hand had once when he put it on the stove top, as if it would peel and strip away.

A freshly scrubbed face looked at him, dazed and a bit confused as to why he was there. A slow blink and the blond rolled his eyes, shoving his commander into the shower impatiently. Roy just stood there, head down, letting the water run over his head and shoulders; Ed waited until he wasn’t shaking anymore, then dragged him out. Fluffy cloth was wrapped around his shoulders and the older man was pushed into his room to sit on the bed, dripping and soaking the covers. ‘Well, he can deal with that later.’

Fresh, dry clothes were dug out of the dresser and tossed beside him. “Alright, you have five minutes to change. I’m not doing it for you, you can’t be that useless.” At last, a spark at the hated word. “Useless, useless, so incompetent you can’t even change your own clothes.”

A low growl and Ed backed off, moving slowly away to close the door behind him. A brief sigh of relief and he wandered back to the kitchen to warm up breakfast and make fresh coffee. He was joined quickly and watched the older man poke the eggs and toast. “Come on, it’s not that bad. I ate mine.” A quiet grunt and he went back to playing with his coffee.

“Hey, your feet still bleeding?” Another grunt and he peeked under the table to see that yes, they were. The first aid box was retrieved and opened to get the antiseptic out. “Hold still.” The slender foot jerked in his hand when the stinging liquid splashed on and was toweled off gently. “I can’t believe you did that; you could have shot yourself, or more likely, had Hawkeye shoot you for stupidity.” Bandages were wrapped around the little cuts and he moved to the other foot.

Roy wiggled his toes experimentally and continued to stare at the food on his plate. The small, guilt ridden voice brought his attention back to his nurse. “I’m sorry. I thought she was gone. I heard the door open and close and thought she left.” He did look truly sorry, kneeling there, guilt radiating from the small body, and Roy couldn’t be mad at him.

He finally noticed the shaking hands tending his injuries and realized Edward had practically carried him upstairs, then put him it the shower, half naked. A slim hand reached out and took the remaining bandages, and he ignored the jerk of dark fingers when they touched his. “I’ll finish. It wasn’t your fault.” Tempting though it may be to blame someone, he just couldn’t blame his alchemist.

“I’ll, um, just go then, ok?” A brief nod and he stood and left the room to gather his things. The clothes were packed quickly and he stood uncomfortably in the kitchen door. “Um, I’m, leaving now. Thanks, for letting me stay the night. And, ah, I’m sorry, again. I, I know it was my fault and I, ah, I owe you, ok?”

“Edward.” Dark eyes watched him painfully, chips of blue swirling in the black. The blond found himself drawn in, moving slowly across the floor and reaching out to touch the pale cheek. Cool metal stopped suddenly and started to pull back; Roy grabbed it and held it to his face. Ed started, but didn’t pull back, letting the older man take what comfort he could.

“So lucky.” A questioning sound and he rubbed his cheek against the metal, letting the smooth surface and slightly sharp edges run over his skin. “You don’t feel anything here, do you? No pain, if it breaks, you can just replace it. Don’t you ever wish your entire body were like this? No one would ever hurt you again.”

Blond bangs bowed forward and long lashes brushed the tanned cheeks; his shoulders shook a bit. “No. Never, I would never wish for something like that. Even if it didn't hurt, I wouldn’t ever want that. And it does hurt, don’t think it doesn’t.” Gold looked down the dark sleeve, meeting black through the fringe of lashes. “It hurts like nothing else, as if it’s being ripped off again and again, even when it’s not there. My shoulder and thigh ache from the weight, my back needs to be adjusted regularly so I can stand straight, and limbs that don’t even exist leave me panting in bed for days at a time. Don’t ever think it doesn’t hurt.”

Roy tugged gently, pulling the small form in to stand between his legs, so he could wrap his arms around the muscular waist. The blond tensed up but didn’t fight, letting him clasp his hands and rest his head against the warm chest. Slowly, slowly, Ed relaxed and settled his arms on the hunched shoulders, ignoring the shaking and damp feel through his shirt.






Hope you enjoyed reading, I'm actually starting to like this story. Yes, I know it's kinda late to decide I like it NOW, four chapters in, but whatever. I'm working on an edit of Chapter one, so hopefully that'll be up by the end of the week. Let me know what you think, bye!