Reshuffled and Dealt

As you can see, I got nothing done today. Bad me. Anyways, I did manage to finish the editing on this chapter, so here we go! Angsty as hell.

Chapter 6

They spent the next day shuffling furniture around and throwing ideas for paint colors back and forth. Envy voted for green everything and Ed insisted on red. Cain disconnected the phone so they couldn’t order anything without him.

By the time they were completely unpacked and settled into the little house, a week had passed. Ed’s morning sickness was fading a bit and he had put on five pounds. The doctor was pleased with his progress and gave the older men some suggestions for muscle relaxation and ways to make him more comfortable. A few books on pregnancy and new babies were very helpful, especially for Havoc, and served to calm even the worst tantrums. Chocolate remained the preferred method of quieting but pretty much any type of sugar would do and Havoc took to carrying little bags of candy in his pockets.

Envy, on the other hand, was in hell. She gained almost fifteen pounds, threw up every two hours, and couldn’t stay awake more than six at a time. Ed yelled at her at least once a day and she was feeling very put upon. And heavy, really, really heavy. The kinda cute little bump had grown enormously and Jean’s big hands barely covered it. To get up, she had to use a chair arm or get a boost, neither of which was particularly appealing. Tears were a regular thing and Cain carried an extra handkerchief and dried fruit.

Elsha had a lot of suggestions to help with the back pains and morning sickness but nothing really seemed to work. The dark-haired woman was distinctly uncomfortable with the redhead, who refused to speak unless Ed was with her, and had fits if anyone touched her, even by accident. The only exception was during the hour of reading she and Ed spent each afternoon.

The recommendation that they try and find someone the little woman got along with had been rejected outright with a catty smirk. Envy dug her delicate heels in and refused to budge, insisting that only Elsha could possibly do. Not even Al could talk her into meeting someone else and Ed figured she was just being contrary.

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

“Jean! Where’s the ice cream!” Blue eyes rolled and the lanky blond sauntered down the stairs for the tenth time in the past hour. Ed was on his tiptoes trying to see the back of the freezer.

“Be quiet, Envy is sleeping.” He reached over the blond pony tail and grabbed the ice cream from the back of the freezer. “Where it’s supposed to be. Just use the stool already.”

Gold glared and a small foot stomped, the demand for quiet ignored. “Don’t call me short! I hate you!”

“Yeah, yeah, you hated me ten minutes ago too, but it didn't stop you from yelling when you wanted something, now did it?” Ed stared at him but the taller man ignored him and set out a bowl of ice cream with a spoon. The freezer opened and Havoc leaned over the smaller blond again to place the frozen treat in its place. A faint growl was his only warning before a solid elbow landed in his gut and an auto-mail foot stomped on top of his.

He choked and bent forward, trapping Ed against the fridge. “Oh, that is it.” He grabbed the metal arm and dragged the younger blond over to the chair, where he sat and hauled him across his lap. It was uncomfortable with Ed kicking and fighting, his stomach pressing against Jean’s legs. The long legs spread to distribute the weight and a loud smack landed on the wiggling rear. “I have had enough. I realize you are tired and stressed out, and that you don’t feel good, but saying nasty things and hitting me isn’t going to work.” He landed a few more hits before turning the sobbing blond over and cradling him against his chest, restraining his arms. “What if you hit Cain, huh? You think he’ll stand up to much of that? He’s not as delicate as he looks, but he’s not as tough as you and I either.” He started to rock, brushing long bangs away from wet cheeks. “Just calm down a bit. I’m sorry I lost my temper. Want to tell me what’s bugging you? You’ve been pretty nasty all week, to all of us.”

Ed hiccupped into his shoulder and mumbled into his neck. “Hurts.”

‘Finally, we’re getting somewhere.’ A gentle finger pulled the boy’s chin up. “What hurts, Ed?” He noticed his hand rubbing the swelling stomach absently but Ed hadn’t said anything, so he left it.

A slim hand wiped tears away, smearing them over his cheeks. “My back hurts. A lot. And my sides.” He sniffed miserably. “What if something’s wrong?”

Havoc sighed and pressed his forehead against Ed’s. “Nothing is wrong, alright? You are moving along at exactly the right pace, Elsha said so. And Cain thinks so too, right? And he’s our baby expert. Don’t worry so much, ok?” He shifted and nudged the blond to his feet. “Here, sit. I’ll fix your back for you.” A doubtful glance was cast over a shoulder. “Sit down.” He sat obediently, facing the back of the chair, and set his arms on the top. “Good. You’ll love this.” Jean cracked his knuckles and started. The small body was shaking in seconds, wriggling and pressing back for more, and he laughed to himself. If only all problems were this easy to fix.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Big green eyes blinked at them from the door.

“Hi, Envy. Did you have a good nap?” The older blond pressed firmly into tight shoulders.

Soft steps wandered over. “No. What are you doing?”

“I’m working some of the knots out of Edward’s back. Would you like me to do yours too?” She nibbled her bottom lip and thought about it. Being touched wasn’t really on her list of fun things, especially with her skin being extra sensitive lately, but the Runt did look like he was enjoying it.

Cain came home to find them in the living room, Ed passed out on one side, Envy on the other, and Jean in the middle, dutifully rubbing little circles on each back. “Save me.” A dark brow rose and the brunette grinned at his friend. “They love it.” He made grabbing motions at the smaller man and hurried to rub more when a faint moan signaled the blond waking up.

“I told you not to.” Cain was very familiar with Jean’s massages, he’d been the guinea pig after all, and well aware that this would happen if Ed or Envy ever experienced one.

“But, but, Ed was hurting and scared something was wrong. I had to.” Light snuffling came from the blanket wrapped bundles. “And Envy’s letting me touch her without a fit. She’s actually relaxed for once.”

Dark hair shook and soft laughter made Jean grin back. “Alright, I’ll save you. But just this once. And, you have to make supper.” A pink tongue stuck out in disgust but the taller man nodded. Cain’s hands replaced his and he scooted back to make room. “Edward. Time to get up.” Light fussing and he settled back down. “Come on, we’re having milk for supper.” The small form shot upright and glared at him.

“We sure the hell aren’t!” He looked so disgusted and horrified, Cain laughed in his face. Heat spread over his face when he realized he was being teased.

“No, we aren’t. But, it’s time to get up. Jean tells me your back was hurting. Feel better?” The blond nodded and blushed. “Good. If it hurts again, just say so, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind rubbing it for you sometimes.” Another nod and Cain turned his attention the smaller form. “Envy, get up now.”

“No.” A gentle shake was swatted at.

“Come on. It’s almost time to eat, aren’t you hungry?” She was always hungry lately, so it was almost a guaranteed yes.

“No.” Ed snorted from beside the brunette.

“Liar. You were bitching about it half an hour ago.” A faint growl and she settled back to cuddle against Cain’s side.

“Ed, don’t start. Envy, get up now.” He pushed away and stood, watching her roll around looking for a warm body. Finally, she ended up on her back and stared at the two men standing over her.

“I hate you.” Dark hair nodded and long blond shook. A small hand reached up. “Carry me.”

“No. I’ll help you get to your feet, if you want. You’re a big girl, you don’t need to be babied.” Slim hands rested on the officer’s hips.

“Yeah, come on, En. Jean’s cooking tonight, so we should go supervise, make sure he doesn’t burn the place down.” A tanned hand was held out and grabbed. He boosted her up, steadying the small body until her weight was balanced properly.

“I can hear you! Don’t talk bad about my cooking or you’ll go without.” The three in the living room laughed and headed in to set the table.

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“Ok, we’ll be gone for a few hours. We’re going to the office for two, then stopping at Farah’s, the number is on the fridge, then groceries. You’re sure you’ll be alright?” Ed stood in the hall, nibbled his apple, and nodded.

“Yeah, yeah, we’ll be fine. I feel ok and Envy hasn’t moved all day; she’s still in her room.” She had claimed the room beside Ed’s, claiming she didn’t want to sleep beside him anymore. “I’m not completely helpless, ok? We’ll be fine. Go on, I think Jean’s going to have a heart attack if you don’t move.” The blond was leaning on the car, tapping his fingers against the hood.

The brunette looked over his shoulder and back, still unsure. “Alright, if you’re certain.” He was waved away and jogged down to the car. Jean touched his fingers to his forehead and slid into the driver’s seat.

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

“En? Are you up? I brought you something to eat.” The blond knocked again. “Hey, come on. You should eat something; you haven’t had anything today.” Their caretakers had been gone for an hour and Ed was starting to get a bit bored.

He pressed his ear to he door and heard a faint moan. “En? Open the door! What’s wrong?” His metal fist pounded on the door and he tried the handle; locked. “Envy!” A low scream made him pound harder.

Mismatched hands clapped and pain spiked through his side, forcing him to his knees, gasping. “En!” Now that he was low, he noticed the faint light coming from under the door; it was the same color as when Envy shifted. ‘Phone, have to get help.’ He suddenly realized that there were not phones on the second floor and he would have to go down to the kitchen. “Envy, I’m going to call Jean and Cain, ok? I’ll be right back.” Another scream and he made his way down the stairs, careful to hold the railing and not slip; if he fell, they’d both be screwed.

Each ring felt like it took forever and finally Hawkeye’s firm voice came over the line. “General Mustang’s office, First Lieutenant Hawkeye here.”

Ed almost started to cry with relief. “Lieutenant, Envy, I’m locked out, he’s screaming, I don’t know what’s wrong, help him, Cain, Jean, send them home!” Gasped babbling made no sense to him but she figured it out.

“Alright Edward, calm down. They’ve already left, but I’ll call them. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. I want you to not panic, stay calm. Go back and talk to him, try to find out what’s wrong. Can you do that?” Always calm, not even a tremor in the smooth voice, and the blond alchemist’s breathing slowed a bit.

“Yes, please, he’s upstairs.” The first rush of panic was subsiding but adrenalin still flowed and he jittered on his toes.

“Alright, Ed. Go back to him, I’ll see you soon.” She hung up briskly and grabbed her bag, stalking into Roy’s office. “General.” His head whipped up from where he’d been asleep and he started writing automatically. “Edward just called and he needs help. Call Cain’s sister and have her send them home if they’re still there. Also, call Elsha Devans’ office and have her come by. Both numbers are in address book as well as Edward’s address.” Roy blinked at her in confusion.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know, but Edward thought it was bad enough to call. Something with Envy.” She grabbed her coat and shrugged into it, checking that her keys and extra ammunition were in their appropriate pockets. “Make the calls, sir. I’ll check in later to see if you’ve done your work.”

Clipped steps took her out of the office and down the stairs. The sinking feeling in her stomach intensified with each step but she didn't let it slow her down. The drive only took ten minutes and she pulled up at the same time as Jean and Cain pulled in. Cain ran up the steps, yelling for Ed while Jean came to meet her. She explained what had happened on the way in; they had been on their way back, seen flaring lights from a few blocks over, and rushed home. They’d never gotten the message.

By the time they got in and upstairs, Cain was fiddling with the lock, the shrill screams making his fingers clumsy. Ed leaned beside the door, talking steadily and loudly, babbling random alchemic theories and either proving or disproving them. “Jean, take Edward downstairs.” The blond woman pulled her gun and tapped Cain on the shoulder with it. He scrambled aside and the lock was shot off efficiently.

Ed cringed back but refused to leave. “No, I’m staying here. Envy might need me.” Another shriek echoed in the hall and Cain pushed his way into the small room, bright light flaring around him and casting long shadows on the floor. The small blond tried to follow but was grabbed by the arm.

“And what can you do, Edward? Go downstairs, let us help him.” Long hair shook again. “Jean.”

“Sorry, Boss.” The alchemist was swung up into strong arms and carried, kicked and fighting to the landing. “Stay still, I don’t want to fall.” On the first step, the fighting stopped and dissolved into tears.

“What’s wrong, Jean? What if he’s dying?” Small hands clutched at the older man’s coat.

The blond officer bent his head to rest against the darker hair. “Riza and Cain will do their best. I’m sure Envy will come through and be down here throwing bowls of cereal again in no time.” He set his bundle on the couch and wrapped him in a blanket.

A firm knock on the door and he opened it to see Elsha standing there with a large bag in her hand. “Where is she?” Her head moved to look upstairs when a faint crash sounded.

“Upstairs, room on the left. Cain and Riza, from work, are with her. We just got here.” She nodded and kicked her shoes off, stopping to peer in at Ed, who was shaking and crying on the couch.

A bottle was pulled out and two pills spilled into her hand. “Here. Give him these with a glass of milk. They’re just mild sedatives but he’ll be able to calm down.” Her shoulders squared and she stepped quickly up the stairs.

The little blond was so far gone to shock, he didn't even protest when a glass of milk was pressed into his hand. His friend pulled him into his lap and rocked gently, wrapping them both in a second blanket and talking quietly. He tried to muffle the screams with the blanket and his voice and finally, the shaking stopped and long hair settled on his shoulder. “Jean?”

“Yeah.” What he wouldn’t give for a smoke right now.

“Is, is Envy going to be alright?” He burrowed down and rubbed his tummy. “It’s my fault, isn’t it? I made her have the baby, even though she didn’t want to. Even though she hated it, she did it for me, so it’s my fault.”

“Hey, that’s enough. It’s not your fault. Whatever is wrong just happened. It was always her choice, because we all know she can kick your ass.” Ed blushed at the reminder. “She’s strong, Ed, she’ll be alright.” A big hand joined the smaller one in rubbing stretched skin. “You just worry about staying calm. Don’t want to upset the baby, do we?” Long hair shook and he relaxed a bit more, letting his chair rub little circles on his stomach.

The screams finally stopped and they still stayed were they were, waiting for someone to tell them what was happening. Cain stumbled on the steps and Jean set Ed aside to go help him. He had a large bruise on his cheek and winced when he sat, holding his side. His partner headed to the kitchen to get some ice and set it against the swelling areas. “Cain?”

“Edward.” He blew out a long sigh. “Envy lost the baby. There wasn’t anything we could do.” Shock kept the pregnant man silent. “I’m so sorry.”

The little blond swallowed. “And, Envy? Is, is she alright?”

“She seems fine, worn out.” Serious brown eyes looked into the worried gold. “Ed, I need to you tell me something.” Blond bangs nodded. “What, exactly, is Envy? Her body was changing, hair changing color, length, her eyes were purple.” Ed cringed and hunched his shoulders. “I know it isn’t a nice thing to talk about, but you have to tell us.”

A deep breath and the young man shuddered slightly. “He’s a homunculus.” Both officers stared blankly at him.

Jean recovered first. “You mean, like…” A small nod. “Damn.” Wide shoulders hunched as if they were expecting a blow. “Ed, what were you…” A tiny shrug and tears slid over the already red cheeks. “Ok, alright. That isn’t important. When Elsha and Riza come down, we’ll talk to them. I’m going to see how they’re doing, if I can help.” He left the two on the couch, Cain holding ice with one hand and rubbing blond hair with the other.

Blue peered around the corner; the room was brightly lit and Elsha was packing her bag, Riza sitting beside the bed, a hand on her forehead. He spoke softly, hoping not to disturb the still form on the bed. “Hey. Can I do anything?”

The worn blond looked up and waved him in; he noticed her eye was swelling. “Jean. Can you take that out to Elsha’s car without Ed seeing you, please?” A faint whisper and her hand motioned to a small box; he swallowed, knowing what it contained. “She’ll dispose of it for us.”

“Sure, I can do that. Is Envy awake?” He shuffled closer to the bed and looked down at purple eyes. “Hi.” Her hair was still red, nothing looked different, just the bright color of her eyes was changed. A relaxed grin and he had to ask. “How do you feel?”

A slow blink and a hoarse voice whispered at him. “Like shit.” A slow scan of the room and he realized she was heavily drugged. “Pest?”

“He’s downstairs. I had to drag him away. He can come see you in a few minutes, ok?” The slightest dip of a nod and her eyes closed again. A deep breath and he grabbed the box, holding it delicately in his arms. He snuck down the steps and peeked into the living room.

Cain looked up and Jean waved for him to distract Ed. “Edward, can you bring me that blanket over there, please?” The blond bounded up and scooted over to grab the requested item, eager to be useful.

While his back was turned, the older blond darted across the door and outside. Another deep breath and he set the box in the trunk of the car, patting it gently before he closed the lid. “Sorry, baby.” His eyes tightened and he scrubbed them quickly before heading back inside. “Boss, want to come up? Envy asked for you.”

The alchemist’s head whipped up and he hopped to his feet, weaving slightly for balance before scrambling for the steps. He bolted around Elsha and Riza on their way out and leaned over the bed. “Envy!” A small hand twitched and he grabbed it, tears falling rapidly. “En, are you ok?”

“Quiet. Heard you yelling at me.” Ed’s free hand found the chair and dragged it close so he could sit. “Stuck.”

“Don’t worry about that now, it doesn’t matter. As long as you’re ok, it doesn’t matter if you stay like this forever.” He set his head down beside the soft chest, wiping his face on the blanket.

The slim hand pulled away and patted the bed. “Come.” He looked up, slightly confused until she tugged the blanket a bit, inviting him in.

“Is it ok?” A smooth shoulder moved a bit and he stood and crawled in, cuddling carefully into her side. A tiny hand rested on his stomach and petted lightly. “En, I’m sorry.” She just shrugged a bit and put her head on his arm.

When Jean and Cain looked in on them later, after Riza and Elsha had gone, they were both asleep, curled around the blond’s stomach. “What happened up here?” Both Riza and Cain looked like they had been on the losing team in a bar fight.

Cain whispered back. “She fought us, hard. Thought we’d come to take it away from her, even though it was already too late to save it. Elsha said her body just rejected it, nothing anyone could have done, at any time.” He wiped his eyes and Jean slung an arm over his shoulders in a loose hug.

“You did your best. They’ll look after each other. Come on, let’s get some rest.” He sighed. “Tomorrow will be long, I think.” Dark hair nodded against his chest and they turned away.




I know it's sad and depressing. *sigh* I hate when things just wander off that way. Thanks for reading and reviewing! I appreciate it.