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The Last Temptation of Edward Elric	By : sailormac Category: Fullmetal Alchemist > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1952 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-The Last Temptation of Edward Elric
- 1
DISCLAIMER: Fullmetal Alchemist is property of Hiromu Arakawa, Square Enix and Studio BONES. No profit is being made from this fanfic.

THE LAST TEMPTATION OF EDWARD ELRIC

By Sailor Mac and Sonya

Edward Elric wasn't in a good mood.

*The nerve of that Mustang,* he thought as he paced outside his commander's office door, *to ask me to come right away. Couldn't have this waited till morning?*

He'd just gotten *back* from a mission, damn it! He was tired and cranky. And there was only one person in the world he wanted to see right now, and his name *wasn't* Roy Mustang. He pushed back his perpetually-hanging bangs and knocked on the door.

Roy opened it, completely unsurprised to see a cranky-looking Fullmetal standing there. It was a rare occasion where the boy entered his office in anything less than a foul mood.

"I didn't think you'd be coming today, Fullmetal," he said. "Finished with the assignment already?"

"You sent one of your goons to pick me up as soon as I got off that train, Mustang, and you know it!" Ed snapped, storming past him into the office. *The nerve of him,* he thought. *Does he make my life miserable on purpose? Is he pissed off because we ended. . .*

A picture flashed through his mind of what *used* to go on in this office, with himself bent over, hands on the desk, gasping in ecstasy as the older man slid his hands all over . . .

Oh, no. He wasn't going to think of *that* now. Not when he had someone else in his life.

He spun around to face Roy and said sharply, "You sent me on a wild goose chase, so what do you want?"

"You have nothing at all to report, Fullmetal?" he said. "I got back some interesting notices from the field . . . you seemed to be posting a lot of letters. And none of them have arrived *here*. Is there something you're not telling me?"

Edward froze when he heard that. "Wh.... What? I...." Ed gritted his teeth. " You put *spies* on me, Mustang?"

"Well, I *do* have to make sure you're staying in line, you know," he said. "We've had some . . . incidents in the past." Roy sat down behind his desk, leaning his head on his folded hands, fixing the young boy with a steady gaze.

Ed flung himself into the chair opposite the colonel with a *harrumph* sound. "Haven't I always come through, though? Isn't that what is important, Colonel?" He leaned on that last word with a tone of nasty sarcasm. "After all, who could possibly do it better than the Elric brothers?"

"You seem very sure of yourself," Roy said. "That means you'll be up for your next assignment, then. And for this one . . . you and I will be working together."

Ed's heart sank. "Next assignment? WHOA, back off! I just came back from a mission! I'm tired and I need maintenance on my automail. Can't I get at least a few days to rest first?" He bristled -- the nerve of Mustang, thinking he could treat him like some kind of workhorse, sending him out again before he even got a chance to catch his breath . . .

"You seem upset, Fullmetal," Roy said, calmly. "You don't like the idea of working with me?"

Ed looked left and right before he answered, making sure Hawkeye or Havoc wouldn't be there to listen in. "You know full well why we shouldn't work together, Colonel."

"Are you afraid that the incidents of the past will repeat themselves?" He almost looked like he was *enjoying* this, and that just annoyed Ed more. "You never seemed to mind before."

Ed looked away, feeling his cheeks burning, much to his chagrin. " You said it was a mistake then. It would be one again."

"Maybe it wasn't such a big mistake after all," Roy said, leaning over. "Is something the matter, Fullmetal? You look a bit flustered."

"I am not flustered!" he snapped, turning redder still. All he wanted was to get the hell out of here, go home, and bitch to Al about what a complete asshole Mustang was being. Then, he wanted to hop a train out to see the person he *really* wanted to be with . . .

"It's almost cute, really," Roy said, leaning over his desk further. "I haven't seen you look like that in a long time."

"Damn you!" Ed nearly growled, clenching his teeth and squeezing his automail hand into a fist. "You *know* we shouldn't work together, especially if you're concerned about the results. You have a history of . . . *sidetracking* me."

"And if I promised to be a perfect gentleman? Unless . . . " Roy narrowed his eyes. ". . .you wanted otherwise?"

Edward still didn't look at him. "Why are you so intent on working with me then, Colonel? Surely you don't want to get your nails sullied doing field work. I know you too well to know you always have your own agenda!"

"I might have a personal interest in this mission," Roy said. "And it might be interesting to you, also. After all, from what I've heard, at least one of your letters went to the very town where we'll be investigating. . . Xenotime."

Edward's eyes almost bulged out of his head. "You want to go to Xenotime? But... But why? What do you think you'll find there? The lead on the Philosopher's Stone didn't pan out!"

"It seems that there's a couple of plant alchemists there that the military might have a use for," the older man said. "Do you know them?"

Ed felt his blood turn to ice. How much did Mustang know? "I . . . know of them," he replied in an even tone, silently glad Al wasn't with him. If his brother let on that there was something between himself and Russell . . .

"Then you know who I'm talking about," Roy said. "The older of the two is about your age. I’ve also heard that he’s very attractive."

Ed nearly flew into a rage at that one (damn it, was Roy planning to hit on *his* lover?) but held himself in check. "What's that got to do with the *mission*?" he said. "I haven't been privy to any *relevant* information yet!"

*I've got to find out what's going on,* he thought, *and get word to Russell. I don't want Mustang dragging him and Fletcher into any dog-of-the-military bullshit. Bad enough *I* have to be one . . .*

"Our mission is we are to speak to these boys and convince them to lend their skills to a project that might yield the components of a Philosopher's Stone," Roy said. "I'm coming along because I knew their father."

"And what if they aren't interested?" Ed asked in a cool tone of voice.

"Then you help persuade them," Roy said. "I'm sure they won't be able to say no to you."

Now Ed was getting worried. Just *how much* did Mustang know? " What makes you say that, Colonel?"

"Well, you *are* an attractive young man," he said, lowering his voice in a way that was almost suggestive. "And if Russell Tringham swings at all in that direction . .. "

Ed blushed briefly. "I'm an alchemist, Mustang, not the recruitment office! I may be a dog of the military but I didn't enlist to be its whore as well!"

"I'm not asking you to be a whore, Fullmetal," Roy said. "I'm just asking you to . . . help me persuade him."

"Oh, you want to persuade him? Like you *persuaded* me when we used to be in here together?" He heaved a deep sigh. "Okay, okay, it's not like I have a choice. What time to we leave tomorrow?"

"Nine in the morning, sharp," Roy said. "Bring an overnight case."

"I know how to travel," Ed grumbled.

"Pack an extra day's clothes for each day," Roy said. "It seems that little construction project on the railroad is causing some rather nasty diversions between here and Xenotime -- we'll have to go several miles out of our way and switch trains, and there's an overnight involved between them."

Ed's head snapped up. "That project is *still* going on?"

Roy leaned back in his seat, looking almost bemused. "Do you travel to Xenotime often, Fullmetal?"

Ed swallowed hard (was he *psychic*?) but played it as cool as possible. "All I know is what I've heard, Colonel. Now, will that be all?"

"Yes, Fullmetal," Roy said "You may go now."

He chuckled as he watched the boy nearly storm from his office. Edward had no idea why they were *really* going out to Xenotime . . .

* * *

"Damn!" Ed said, slamming the door. There was no way he could contact Russell except by telegraph -- like many people in country towns, the Tringhams had no phone in their home -- and the office didn't open until nine in the morning. They'd be on their way by then.

"Nii-san?" said a concerned voice behind him. "What's going on?"

"Mustang's a jerk, that's what's going on." He pulled off his coat and jumped on his bed, kicking off his boots as he folded his hands behind his head. "We're going to Xenotime tomorrow, only the *nice* Colonel is coming along with us."

"He is?" There was surprise in Al's voice. "Since when has he ever gone out of that office?"

"I don't know..." Ed replied. " That's what makes me worry. I have no idea what he's *really* up to." He looked at his brother. "He wants me to persuade Russell to work with the State Alchemists."

Al lowered his voice, as if someone else could hear them. "You mean he . . . *knows* about you and Russell?"

"I don't know, Al. It doesn't sound like it, but I can't be entirely sure." He looked over at his younger brother. "We have to leave at nine in the morning tomorrow, and that construction is still going on, so we have to have an overnight on the way. I know Mustang will be watching me. He probably won’t be paying attention to *you*, though." He sat up. "Al, when we arrive tomorrow I want you to go at a telegraph office and send a message to Russell. I'll occupy Mustang."

"Occupy him?" Al said. "How?" He was well aware of what had transpired between his brother and the colonel before -- not that he was entirely happy about it.

"Don't worry about me. Just think about getting a warning to Russell, okay?" Ed asked.

"All right," Al said. "I don't imagine he'll be happy about Mustang coming."

Ed shook his head. "I don't think he will either, but at least we can make sure they won't be caught off guard." He looked downcast. "Sometimes, I wish I could know what's inside that man's head."

"I'm sure he means no *harm* to you or to Russell, Nii-san," Al said, gently.

"I hope.... " Ed looked at the ceiling. " Well, I think I should get some shut-eye, Al."

"Don't worry, Nii-san," the younger boy said. "Things will work out."

Ed sighed. "I know, Al. I know." He wished he could share his brother's optimism. "Night, Al." He quickly shed his shirt and pants, casually tossed them aside, and pulled up the covers.

Sleep wasn't going to come easy, he knew.

* * *

The next morning, Roy was waiting at the train station, looking at the time. The Elrics were close to being late. He hoped they wouldn't miss the train, he wanted to get to Xenotime as soon as possible.

His fears were relieved when he saw a small figure rushing toward him, a towering suit of armor clanking at his heels. He couldn't help but be amused by the fact that Ed had packed so hurriedly, there were items hanging out of his suitcase.

"I can't believe I overslept!" Ed grumbled. "It's all Mustang's fault, sending me on a mission when I just got back from another one. Geez!"

"I tried to get you up for twenty minutes, Nii-san," Al said. "You just kept burrowing deeper under the covers."

"I was tired. What did you expect? I couldn't fall asleep last night, thanks to all this!"

Roy strolled casually over to the frantic duo. "I'd like to think that if I kept you up all night, you'd *enjoy* it, Fullmetal," he said. "I got the conductor to hold the train for *one minute.* Get on *now*."

Ed wanted to retort, but he was too out of breath to answer, so he just jumped on the train, followed closely by his armored brother.

Once they were settled in their seats, Roy sat down casually opposite them. "One would think you didn't *want* to go on this mission, Fullmetal."

Ed looked at the man in front of him. "I was tired and I overslept!"

"Seems I've heard that before," Roy said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper. "I made our hotel reservations for tonight. I figured in Xenotime, we'd play it by ear. The Tringhams may invite us to stay with them, or we can stay at one of the inns."

"Hope you booked separate rooms for yourself and us," Ed mumbled, looking outside at the passing scenery.

"You have no desire to share a room with me?" Roy said. "I'm disappointed, Fullmetal."

Ed coughed. " My brother doesn't need to hear this."

"I wouldn't have put him in the same room as us," Roy said. Next to Ed, Al was looking as uncomfortable as a suit of armor is capable of looking.

Ed coughed again. " I'd *appreciate* it if you didn't discuss this here in front of Al as if he's not here. You're traumatizing him."

"It's okay, Nii-san," Al said in a small voice. Ed shot a evil glare to Mustang to silence the Colonel into behaving.

"Fine," Roy said in a cool tone. "We won't talk about anything but the mission."

"Thank you. We can talk about *other things* later."

"I look forward to it," Roy said, his voice heavy with meaning.

Ed set his jaw, but continued. "Will you tell us why you chose the *Tringhams* to hook up with the military?”

"We need their skills," Roy replied. "Plant alchemists are rare, especially ones at their level."

"I see. And that's all you want from them? Their expertise?"

"Why, Fullmetal, did you think I wanted them for something else?" Roy said.

Ed blanched and looked away. "Just wanting to know, especially if you want us to persuade them, Colonel."

"You sound suspicious, Fullmetal," he said.

*Like he's never given me a reason to be suspicious of him*, Ed thought. "Must be because I'm cranky and not fully awake yet."

"Oh, I'm sure," Roy said. "Excuse me a moment." He got up and left.

Al looked at his brother. "Why is he acting like that?"

Ed, who had started to doze off, cracked open an eye. "I wish I knew. He's hiding something. I tried to lure him into letting something slip, but he's a sly fox."

"Do you think . . . the military has more in mind for the Tringhams than he's letting on?" Al said. "Like, they found out they had been impersonating us, and they're in trouble?"

"How would they know that, Al? I didn't tell them, and I don't think they had *spies* watching us on our first trip to Xenotime," replied Ed, keeping an eye to the aisle in case Mustang returned.

"If they knew just how much the Tringhams know about red water, and red stones . . . they could involve them in something like the Fifth Lab," Al said, quietly.

"Over my dead body," Ed snapped.

A seemingly endless amount of time later, the train reached the stop where the group would spend the night. Ed stretched and yawned. "So... halfway there . . . Will you show me the hotel now?"

"By all means," Roy said. "And I'll make sure you don't oversleep in the morning this time."

As they left the train, Ed nodded to Al. Al nodded back and headed in the direction of the telegraph office, preparing to send a message to Russell.

The other two headed off down the road. "Your brother isn't with us at the moment," Roy said. "What did you want to talk about?"

Ed turned to him with a smile. " Who said I wanted to talk? You look tired . . . Maybe you should lie down."

Roy looked at him. "My, your attitude has changed from before."

"My brother was there before," Ed said, trying to sound casual.

"Good," Roy said. "Do you think your brother will be delayed long enough for us to have a few minutes alone?"

"I think so... Winry had asked us to pick up a few things for her, he went to get them. I think he'll be away a few minutes."

Ed felt a stab of guilt. He wanted Al to get a message to Russell, but this . . . it felt like he was cheating on his lover. Even though he had no intention of *really* cheating, of course. Al would be back before anything could happen.

They turned a corner to a street lined with shops and inns, and Roy walked up to the largest of the buildings. "We'll go right up to my room, then," he said, approaching the front desk.

Ed swallowed hard. He remembered all too well what it had been like to be alone with Roy in other rooms. In fact, it had been in a hotel very much like this one where the older man had taken his virginity.

A picture flashed through his mind of himself writhing on plain white hotel sheets, gasping at the shock of the initial pain of penetration, and then moaning at the sweet, hot pleasure that followed as Roy's lips claimed his, Ed opening his mouth eagerly to invite him in . . .

He shook his head to get rid of the unwelcome thoughts. What the *hell* was he doing? That was in the past, he had Russell now, damn it, and he was going to be faithful to him!

Roy returned with the key. "I gave the clerk a description of your brother, although I don't imagine they have very many people in full armor coming in here. Shall we go?"

Ed just followed him wordlessly up a flight of nondescript stairs and down the hall, stopping about halfway down. Roy unlocked the door, and Ed walked in first.

Once the door closed behind them, Roy took off his jacket and sat on the bed. "Come on . . . sit here . . ."

Ed told himself there was no turning back now, but nothing was *really* going to happen -- was it? No, he wasn't going to let it get anywhere. He sat down at his commanding officer's side.

Roy put an arm around Ed and pulled him close. "It's been too long since we were like this."

Ed stiffened a little. "Y. . . Yeah. . . it has. . . you. . I . . . We've been busy. . . doing what we have to do. . ."

"You sound nervous," Roy said. "Don't worry. It's nothing we haven't done, right?"

Oh, he knew all too well what they'd done before. He remembered lying on his back, legs widespread, as Roy's tongue moved slowly, maddeningly up and down his shaft while he reached up the boy's body with both hands to tease his nipples with his fingertips . . .

Oh, no, he was *not* going to feel hot remembering that. No *way*.

"Y...Yeah... Right," he found himself stammering. "It's just been a while and I thought. . . . well, you've probably moved on to someone else, haven't you?"

"Me?" Roy brushed a lock of hair away from Ed's eyes. "I've been with other people, but . . . there's nobody quite like you."

Ed snorted a bit. "I bet you say that to all your conquests. Seriously, Roy, you were the one that said we should stop fooling around."

Roy stroked the boy's hair some more. "That was because I was afraid we were going to get caught. There's nobody to catch us out here."

There was a note of tenderness in his voice that caught Edward off-guard. He couldn't remember Roy sounding like that, even when they were in the heat of passion. It was the way Russell usually spoke to him when they were alone, and things were calm and quiet. (Not that the two didn't still have their share of fights).

"Roy," he said, quietly, "how do you *really* feel about me?" (*I’m calling him by his first name,* he thought. *I’ve only done that right before we. . .*)

The question took Roy a bit aback. "Why do you suddenly ask that now?"

"I.. I just want to know if... You just want sex with me . . . or..." Ed blushed. Why was he asking this question, why was he even in this room with him? Why the hell did he even think the colonel needed *distracting*? He could have sent that damn telegraph to Russell himself! Did some part of him still *want* . . . He frowned. No *way*. He had someone who *really* cared now, damn it!

And then, Roy put his fingers under his chin, tilted his head up and said, "As much as it may seem otherwise sometimes, I *do* care about you, Fullmetal."

Ed tried to swallow the lump in his throat. Damn, he never thought Roy would have feelings for him. Did this mean that all along, what he had thought had been empty sex between them . . . wasn't?

Suddenly, he stood up and walked to the window. *What do I do now?* he thought. He felt out of control of the situation, which he did *not* like at all, and it was just making him annoyed, and *why* did all those damn memories of Roy using his lips and tongue and hands in such creative ways keep assaulting him . . .

He knew he had to put the brakes on, and fast, or risk betraying Russell. He turned toward the older man. " Sorry, Roy . . .maybe this isn't the best time to..."

Roy turned toward him. "You're having second thoughts?"

Ed could feel his heart hammer in his chest. He almost wished the Homunculi would rip through the roof and attack them. Anything to get out of this situation. "We haven't seen each other for a couple of months. . . and now out of the blue you decide to come with me and Al on a mission. And you make a pass at me. . . in front of my brother, no less..."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know Al had an issue with our relationship," Roy said, cooly.

"It's not that. It's... complicated...." Ed bit his lip -- maybe he'd said too much.

"Is it because I'm older than you? Is that it?"

Ed shook his head. "I... no, it's not that..."

"Then what?" Roy said. "Is there . . . someone else that you like?"

The young man blushed fiercely. "Look, Al should be back any minute."

"If you don't want to talk .. ." Roy stroked Ed's face.

Suddenly, Ed felt things spinning out of control again. Roy's hand was so gentle, caring . . . Why was his heart hammering so? Why did he feel so ashamed -- did he care for this man? He knew he loved Russell, but . . . this was feeling *very* good, and strangely welcome, and suddenly, he wasn't feeling *guilty* anymore.

Roy leaned over, bringing his lips toward Ed's. Ed tensed, wondering if he was going to be able to go through with it, wondering if he'd regret it if he didn't . . .

And then, a knock came on the door. "Nii-san, I'm back!"

Ed felt his face flush, and relief flood his body, but also . . . disappointment? "Yeah, Al, I'll be right there," he called. Lowering his voice, he said to Roy, "I should go."

"If you want to come back tonight," Roy said, his voice heavy with meaning, "I'm here."

Ed 's face turned bright red. "I'll... keep it in mind..." He tried to regain his composure and walked to the door.

He was still flushed as he followed Al to their room. He felt shaky, confused, and strangely thirsty.

Never before had an encounter with Roy Mustang left him feeling so rattled.

Al noticed his brother's discomfort. "Nii-san? Is something wrong?"

"Al," Ed said, softly, as he sat down on the bed. "I feel a little mixed up right now. I don't know what to do."

"Did the Colonel try something, Nii-san?" Al said, gently.

Ed blushed. "He didn't have time to. But I asked him if he had feelings for me. . .and. . . He looked at his brother. “He said he cared about me." He put his head in his hands. “And then I think about Russell, and I feel guilty.”

"Nii-san, 'care about' is not always the same as 'love,'" Al said.

Ed turned away. "I'm.... I'm sorry, Al. I shouldn't burden you with this. It's my problem."

"Nii-san, you told me Russell said he *loved* you," Al said. "And you've told me that you love him. Then you shouldn't be confused. You know what you feel for Russell."

"Yes, but . . . I'm not sure what I feel about Roy Mustang now. I thought I did but... it's hard to explain..."

"Nii-san . . . do you think you might love him, too?" Al said, quietly.

"I... well, it's not the love I feel for Russell, it's more like..." He paused and blushed. "It's a little embarrassing to talk about that, Al."

"Sorry, Nii-san," Al said, "but I just want to keep you from making a mistake."

Too late, little brother, though Ed. "I know." He flung himself down on his back. "Why the hell did he have to flirt with me? If he hadn't done that, it would have been easy to ignore him."

Al reached down to Ed's coat and pulled a piece of paper out of the pocket. He read it for a moment, then looked up at his brother.

"Nii-san, here's a train in the middle of the night that leaves for Xenotime. Let's sneak out and go on that one. That way, you won't be tempted."

Ed bit his lip. The idea of leaving *did* sound appealing. Especially since the alternative, the one that would get him in trouble, sounded *very* appealing.

"And if you decide to stay here," Al said, steadily, "I will bodily place myself over the door so you'd have to climb over me to leave the room."

Ed turned to him with a smile. He figured Al was happy about his relationship with Russell, and didn't want to see it jeopardized in any way, shape or form. "You think that it would make trouble for the Tringhams if we snuck out of here to go to Xenotime tonight?"

"Leave a note for Mustang," Al said. "Explain that you got a lead on the Philosopher's Stone you wanted to check out and you'll meet him in Xenotime tomorrow."

"I hope he buys it." He turned and wrote the note.

"Don't worry, Nii-san," Al said. "I'm sure he'll believe you."

Ed put the note well in evidence in an envelope addressed to Colonel Roy Mustang. "Well then, how should we go? The door, or do we get creative?"

"You know the answer to that already, Nii-san," Al said, brightly, heading for the window.

Ed chuckled. " Then allow me!" He clapped his hands together and touched the edge of the stone wall outside. There was a flash of purple, and the stone transmuted into a stairway. The older brother followed the younger down the steps, then put the wall back to its original form before they made their way to the station.

A few hours later, Roy woke up to find an envelope shoved under his door. He picked it up, tore it open and put on a light. His eyes scanned it, and a small smile came over his face. He knew exactly why Fullmetal had left, and it had nothing to do with a Philosopher's Stone. He'd catch up with him later, he knew . . .

* * *

Ed sat on the couch in the Tringham's living room. In front of him, Roy and Russell were glaring at each other like gladiators in an arena.

"He's mine, you know," Roy said. "I had him first."

"And you gave him up, didn't you," Russell sneered back.

"Temporarily," Roy said in a cool tone of voice. "I want him back now. And he wants to come back to me."

"The hell he does!" Russell snapped. "You just used him for sex! You always did! I love him!"

"What makes you think I don't love him, too?" Roy said, advancing a step on the younger alchemist. "What can a *child* like you give him?"

"You'd be surprised at what I can give him." Ed suddenly noticed that Russell had a plant in his hand, and it had an array drawn on the pot, and he was getting ready to activate it . . .

"Oh, I'm *sure* you're an *expert* at that sort of thing," Roy said, sarcasm dripping from his voice, raising his hand, fingers poised to snap. "Now give him up, or I'll . . ."

"Bring it on," Russell said, calmly, starting to activate his array.

"Wait a second!" Ed shouted, trying to get up, trying to stop this ridiculous fight, but his automail suddenly felt like it weighed a ton, and he couldn't move, not even if his life depended on . . .

He woke up with a start, gasping, and leaned his head against the seat in front of him.

"What the hell was that about?" he mumbled to himself. Dreaming about himself being fought over like a maiden in an old-fashioned alchemy tournament . . .

*That's what I get for not eating dinner last night,* he thought, turning toward the window, staring into the darkness. He should have gone for *food* instead of trying to *distract* Mustang. His stomach would be full, and his mind empty of the churning feelings that were filling him now.

From the faint shapes outside the window that he could make out, he knew they were almost to Xenotime.

*The more distance between myself and Mustang, the better*, he thought. Damn it, those memories *still* wouldn't leave him alone. Why the hell did he have to be so hot? And why did he have to touch him that way tonight? And damnitalltohell, why did he have to be able to do *that thing* with his . . .

Fortunately, his thoughts were interrupted by Al saying, "You know, Nii-san . . . they're going to be sound asleep when we arrive."

"We'll just knock on the door," Ed mumbled, sinking deeper into his seat. "They'll know it's us."

But a delicious thought suddenly rose in the back of his head. There was another way to wake Russell up. A very pleasant one. And one guaranteed to keep thoughts of anyone else at bay.

Al noticed the devilish grin spreading over his brother's face. "Nii-san . . . what are you thinking?

"Nothing!" Ed said quickly, grinning sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. " N . . . Nothing Al..."

But Al caught on very quickly to his brother's intent. "Nii-san, maybe I should let you go in the house and wake them up?" he said, a bit of a teasing edge in his voice.

Ed spun around so fast his bones nearly snapped. What the hell happened to the innocent brother he used to know? He wondered just how many of his private moments with Russell had been witnessed by Al.

"What about you, Al?" he said, quickly. "Don't you want to see Fletcher? I can't leave you outside during the night!"

"Oh, I'll see him," Al said.

The train pulled into the station. Suddenly, Ed's mood brightened considerably. He turned to Al and said, "Race you there!"

"You've got it!" Al jumped out of the seat and raced ahead of Ed, laughing.

"Hey! No fair!" Ed sprinted up the aisle after his brother, clambering down the stairs. This was one time when the small size he despised would actually be to his advantage. Al might have a long stride, but Ed was smaller and could move faster.

Sure enough, by the time they got to the first corner by the train station, Ed was well in the lead, his brother closing in, but not fast enough. Ed put on another boost of speed. He intended to be in that building before Al could say a word to him and make him blush all over again.

Soon, he was under Russell's bedroom window, which was open slightly to let in fresh air. "Careless..." whispered Ed as he stealthily opened the window. He climbed up and slid inside as silent as a cat.

Russell was sound asleep, covers pulled up just to mid-chest, telling Ed, to his delight, that his lover was at least half-naked. The younger boy stirred a bit, but didn't awaken.

Edward dropped his suitcase, quickly shed coat, boots and shirt and began to creep under the covers. Gently, he reached out with his left hand and began to caress the other boy's chest.

Russell stirred in his sleep. He'd been dreaming about Ed -- a very pleasant dream, at that -- and it had just taken a turn for the *very, very* pleasant. He could *feel* the warmth of the other boy's hand on his body . . . and then his lips, planting small kisses all over his chest . . .

Ed moved slowly over his lover's torso, his mouth caressing the skin as his hands reached in back of his own head, undoing his braid, pulling the hair free. Russell always loved running his hands through his hair while they were making love.

He willed the other boy to wake up. His body was burning now from being so close to him. He didn't know how long he'd be able to hold out.

Russell began to moan softly, and he squirmed as Edward's lips brushed a nipple. His eyes fluttered open, and he gasped in surprise.

His vivid dream wasn't a *dream* after all.

"Edward?" he said, blinking rapidly.

Edward moved up so he was eye-to-eye with Russell. "Good morning. Sorry . . . I couldn't wait to get my hands on you again."

"I'm not exactly mad," Russell said. And with that, the boys kissed hotly, Russell's tongue pushing rapidly into Ed's mouth, Ed wrapping a leg over Russell's hip, the two starting to move together in unison, grinding against each other.

"Wasn't expecting you . . . till later . . ." Russell gasped as Ed moved down and started to kiss along his neck.

Ed looked up, his lids heavy with desire. "I told you," he murmured, "I couldn't wait to see you." His mouth claimed Russell's again, and the younger boy tangled his fingers in his lover's long, silky hair, his tongue slipping out of his lover's mouth to flutter over his lower lip.

Edward responded in kind, pushing his tongue into the other boy's mouth, softly battling, lapping and teasing. His hands weren't idle and he soon got rid of Russell's pajama pants, his human hand caressing the growing member.

Russell let out a gasp, arching up into Ed's touch. "It's been so long since you did that . . ."

Ed let out a groan. "You don't know how much I've wanted to do this. And . . . "

"And, what?" said Russell in a teasing tone. "Why don't you show me?"

In answer, Ed started to kiss down Russell's neck, feeling the quickening pulse as his hand moved faster, caressing Russell rapidly, fluttering his fingers here and there.

"Ohh, yes, keep doing that," Russell moaned, his hand sliding down over Ed's back to his bottom, which he squeezed hard.

"Aaah.... oooh yes Russell... that's good... mmm" He kissed Russell hard as his hand went faster. He felt fevered, he wanted to kiss Russell all over, especially...

"You know what I want," Russell said in a low, seductive voice as he kissed Ed's neck. "You know what I like .. ." He pushed him downward a bit for emphasis.

"Mmmm. . . yes, I do." Ed slid down his body, planting hot kisses on the way down. He felt Russell tense in anticipation, and he was torn between slowing down to draw out the exquisite torture and speeding up so they could both get what they wanted.

The latter won out. Ed grasped his lover's thighs, pushing them apart, and moved between them. He began to kiss the base of his lover's hardness, breathing in his scent. His own leather pants felt tight and constricting as his own manhood swelled in response.

To him, giving his lover oral wasn't just a chore to do in the hope that Russell would reciprocate. He liked it. A *lot.*

Slowly, he licked along the shaft, feeling the texture, the heat, listening to Russell's groan of need. When he reached the tip, he wrapped his mouth around it and slid down, letting out a groan deep in his throat.

"Ohhh, ED!" Russell cried, feeling the older boy start to suck him *just* the way he liked it. He tangled his fingers in his hair, wanting to hold him there forever.

Ed quickened the pace, his own breath coming rapidly, taking him in deep, as deep as he could comfortably go, then pumping back and forth. He slid it all the way out, licking down his shaft again, caressing the sac beneath with his tongue, kissing it lightly.

When Ed's lips enveloped his erection again, Russell moaned "Ohhh, yes," raising his hips, resisting the urge to thrust hard into his mouth. "You're so good . . ." His whole body writhed, thinking he was going to explode with pleasure.

Ed could feel that he would bring Russell over the edge if he continued, and he wasn't ready for that. Not yet. So after a long, hard suck, he let go of the fully erect member and slid back into his lover's arms, kissing him. "Russell..." he whispered, his voice rough with need.

"What do you want?" Russell said, reaching down to undo Ed's pants. "Tell me . . ." He pushed them down, found his erection and started a rapid stroking.

Ed moaned. "I want you in me. Now. I'm burning up Ahhh . . . Aaah yeah... aaah..." He writhed against his lover, trying to wriggle completely out of his pants.

Russell tossed the unwanted garments on the floor and leaned over, licking his erection quickly from the bottom to the top, then back down again. He reached in his nighttable drawer for the bottle of oil he kept there.

"Aaaahhh!" Ed put his hands on Russell's head. "Don't tease me, damn it!"

Russell quickly lubed a finger and gently began to push it in. "Is this what you want?" he said. "Do you want to feel me inside you like this?"

Ed gasped then moaned. "Ah aah yes... yes I want to . . . ." The finger moved, it contacted a sweet spot, and Ed cried Russell's name, loudly.

"Easy, easy," Russell said, sliding his finger out and relubing it, along with a second. "I just want to make sure it's good for you." He ran his finger around the edge of his entrance, then pushed both in.

"Aaaah... aaah it feels good... it feels goddamn good... Ah.... Yes... more... more..." Ed opened his legs and rocked his hips in time with Russell's fingers.

Russell slid the fingers out. "All right . . . just relax . . . " He quickly lubed his erection and lay on top of Ed, kissing his lips hotly, sliding his tongue in and out of his mouth. He pushed forward, slowly, gasping as Ed's tight heat started to close around him.

"Aaaaaah..." Ed's moans were muffled by Russell's kiss. It hurt a little but he didn't care, it hurt so good. This was what he wanted to feel, Russell deep inside him, filling him, making him cry out . . .

And then Russell began to thrust, and all thought was blotted out, and there was nothing but *heat*.

"I've missed you," Russell said in a husky voice as he moved faster. "You don't know how much . . .I need you." He groaned as he felt Ed envelop him completely . . . there were no words for how completely and utterly delicious this was.

* * *

Down the hall, Fletcher Tringham was awakened by a cry. He sat bolt upright, knowing it came from his brother's room. He tensed, wondering if Russell was in danger . ..

Then he recognized the voice. He'd definitely heard those sounds before.

"Ed's here?" he said. He got out of bed and padded down the hall, still in his pajamas. If Ed was here, then Al couldn't be far away.

He figured the younger Elric brother would be outside. And he was right.

When Al saw Fletcher come out the door, he stood up. "Fletcher!" he said. "It's early . . . what woke you up?"

Fletcher rubbed his eyes. "Your brother. . . He makes a lot of noises with my brother. . ." Yawning, still sleepy, he sat down next to Al. "Whatcha doing outside?"

"Um, maybe we should *stay* outside for a few moments, Fletcher," Al said, nervously. If it were possible for a suit of armor to blush, he would.

"But I'm tired.... okay, then. " Fletcher went back inside and returned with a couple of blankets. "I'm cold..." he mumbled sleepily as he tucked the blankets against Al's armored body and snuggled against him. " You should take the other blanket if you're cold. . . mmmm..."

"It's okay," Al said, quietly. "I don't feel the cold."

"I'm happy you're here, Alphonse. I missed you," Fletcher murmured as he drifted off.

Al looked at Russell's bedroom window, hearing the noises within, and would have blushed again if he could. He wondered if he'd ever get out of this armor, and know what Ed was experiencing right now.

* * *

Ed clung to Russell, letting out one long, low sound after another, raising his hips and wrapping his legs around the younger boy, wanting him deeper, deeper still. Oh, yes, he *wanted* him, wanted him every way imaginable . . . this was . . .

Russell kissed him hard, grasping his erection in his hand and starting to stroke it in time with his thrusts. "Come for me," he whispered, raggedly. "I want to hear it. I want to feel it."

Ed could feel the wave of ecstasy crest inside him, he was getting so close now. His hips moved wildly against Russell, shivers running through his spine, until everything froze, and he was rocketed into sweet oblivion. "AAHHHH!! Yes, yes, Russell!" he cried as he released himself.

Russell thrust harder, over and over and over, seeking his own fulfillment, and then it hit him, and he let out a loud cry, yelling Ed's name as he released himself into the boy's body. He collapsed on top of him and kissed Ed hard. "That . . was amazing."

Ed snuggled against him. He felt so good right now. And it hit him that it was an entirely different feeling than when he was with Roy. That was hot, and thrilling, and a little bit dangerous, the very idea that *they might be caught* making it all the hotter.

With Russell, sex was still hot, but it felt relaxed. And sweet. Hell, it was *pure*. It seemed corny to say, but . . .

And Ed remembered Al's words back at the hotel. "There's a difference between *caring* and *love*. . ."

He knew just *why* things were different with Russell. And he felt like an idiot for almost giving in to Roy before. He certainly didn’t *regret* his earlier misadventures with the older man, but . . .

And before he was even aware of it, he was murmuring, “I love you.”

Russell was taken aback. This was not something he was used to hearing. Edward Elric was *not* the sort to go around making declarations of love -- indeed, the only way Russell knew how he felt was he'd overheard a conversation between the Elrics one day:

"Nii-san, do you love Russell?"

"You think I'd put up with his crap if I didn't?"

Russell brushed the boy's hair back. "I love you, too," he replied, hugging his lover closer. "Ed . . . come live with me. Leave the State Alchemists. I promise I'll help you find the Philosopher's Stone."

Ed caressed his face. "Don't be an idiot, Russell. Looking for the Stone is too dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt. What happened to Al is my fault, so the Stone is *my* problem. I can't leave the military." He raised his head. "Why don't *you* move in with us in Central?"

"I have to stay in Xenotime, at least for now," Russell said. "I need to find some way to pay the people of this town back or making them sick, some kind of cure for the red water illness."

Ed lowered his head again. "Crap. Look at us, a couple of sinners. Spending our whole lives trying to make up for something stupid we did."

*And that's why we understand each other,* he thought. *We both carry the same weight.*

It suddenly occurred to him how many levels he and Russell *connected* with each other on.

"You'll make up for it." Russell hugged him closer. "And so will I.” He added in a teasing tone, “And in the meantime, when we’re apart . . . I *might* miss you." There was a pause, and then he said, "But there *may* be a way I can help the people of Xenotime, *and* be with you . . ."

Ed raised his head, frowning. "What's that?"

"Well, you said State Alchemists have access to information most people don't. What if I applied to be one?"

Ed shot out of Russell's arms and sat bolt upright. "No way in hell!" he snapped. "You'd be a dog of the military like me! You might be able to help people, but you'd have to *kill* as well! Is that what you *really* want?"

"If I could be with you, *and* stop the red water sickness . . . yes," Russell said, quietly. "Now, didn't you say your supervisor was coming with you? Maybe I could talk to him . . ."

The irony was beginning to make Ed almost sick. He'd done exactly what Roy wanted -- persuaded Russell to become a State Alchemist -- without even trying.

"We ditched him in the last town," Ed said, lying back down. "He's supposed to be here later. He *did* want to talk to you. He's heard about your abilities."

"Have you ever talked about *us* to him?" His tone of voice conveyed that *us* meant his and Ed's relationship, not the abilities of Russell and Fletcher.

"Nope. When he talked to us about this mission, all I said was I'd heard of you," Ed replied. "He *did* notice I've been sending letters to Xenotime, though."

"If he asks about that, just tell him you had another lead on a Philosopher's Stone here that didn't pan out," Russell said. "And now, you said we probably have some time before your boss arrives . . ."

As Russell leaned over to kiss him again, Ed felt a beam of sunlight hit his face. It was unusually bright for early morning, almost as if it were reflected off metal . . .

Suddenly, he jumped out of bed. "Al! I left Al outside!" He grabbed for his clothes and started putting them on.

"I'll go out there with you," Russell said, getting out of bed and heading for his bureau. "We'll bring him inside, have breakfast with him and Fletcher, get everyone settled in, and . . . " He walked back over to Ed, wrapped his arms around his waist and kissed him. "Tell him we're taking a *nap.*

Ed gave him a sly smile. "We'll just have to make sure it's not a very loud *nap.*"

They dressed and walked outside.

Ed smiled at the sight that greeted them on the front stoop. "Well . . . will you look at that."

Russell looked at Fletcher curled against Al, sound asleep. It was an absolutely adorable sight. "It's almost a shame to wake them," he said, "but I don't want Fletcher catching a cold."

Al heard the other two approach and turned around. "Nii-san," he said. "Russell . . . hello! Fletcher came out here, and he fell asleep."

"Then we should bring him inside," said Ed. Fletcher mumbled and snuggled against Alphonse.

Al picked up Fletcher gently and carried him toward the house. "Russell, where is his room?"

"Down the hall, first door on the right," Russell replied.

As they left, Russell said to Ed, "We have to get your brother's body back. Once he's whole again, he and my brother . . ."

Ed gave him a sly smile. "Might follow in our footsteps?"

Suddenly, he felt tired. The combination of the trip, the sex and the stress of the last twenty-four hours hit him all at once. "Russell, I think I want to take a nap. A *real* one," he yawned.

"Fine." Russell kissed him. "We can have our . . . *nap* . . . after our nap."

Hand-in-hand, they headed for the bedroom. To Ed, Roy Mustang felt very far away.

* * *

Roy was close to the Tringham house. Very close.

He rounded the last corner, searched around a bit and found the proper house number. He wondered if Fullmetal had been able to find his way there by himself -- it wasn't as if he'd given the boy the address. Then again, the Tringhams were quite well-known in Xenotime.

He walked up to the door and gave a quick, businesslike rap.

Inside the bedroom, the sound hit Ed's head like a series of hammer blows. He rolled over in his sleep, groaning. "What the hell?" he mumbled.

Russell stirred next to him. "Is that . . . your commander, do you think?

That woke up Edward in a hurry. "Oh CRAP!" he said as he fumbled to get his pants and shirt. "He wasn't supposed to arrive before this afternoon... what the hell?"

But before either of them could make it to the living room, Fletcher was already answering the door. "Hello?" he said, rubbing sleep out of his eyes as he looked up at Roy Mustang.

"Hello," Roy said. "Are you Fletcher Tringham? I'm here to see your brother."

"Well . . . It's kind of early, Mister, but I'll see if he's awake." He let Mustang in and went to his brother's room, tapping the door. "Nii-san, there's someone who wants to see you."

Russell jumped out of bed and began to get dressed as fast as he could. "Tell him I'll be right there," he said. To Edward, he said, "Looks like we were right."

"Damn, I didn't want him to find me here. What should I do now?" He started to braid his hair, flesh and automail fingers getting tangled up in his haste.

"I'll talk to him," Russell said. "You sneak out the window . . . I'll try to send Al in here as well. Then you appear at the door."

Ed nodded "Ok..." He kissed him. "I' ll be there in a sec."

Russell looked at the window frame with a frown. "I don't think Al can exactly sneak out of that."

"You think that's a problem?" Ed clapped his hands and touched them to the frame, and the window expanded to three times its original size.

Russell gave a sly smile. "I should have known."

He left the bedroom, pausing just long enough to tell Al about the plan before heading for the living room. There stood a darkly handsome man in a military uniform -- not as tall as Russell was expecting, or as intimidating, either.

"Russell Tringham? I'm Colonel Roy Mustang. I'm very pleased to meet you. There's something I want to talk to you about . . ."

Outside, Ed restored the window to its original size. "I'm going to go hide in the bushes over there," he told Al, "so I can keep an eye on them."

He made his way over on hands and knees, and raised his head just enough so he could see through the front window. He could hear Russell saying to the colonel, "I know what you're asking me to do, and . . . I still don't know if joining the State Alchemists is for me."

"Before, he was raring to do it," Ed mumbled to himself.

But Roy's reply came as a total surprise to him. "That's not exactly what I came to see you about, Mr. Tringham. It's something else."

That intrigued Ed and he strained to listen in. If he didn't want to make Russell into a State Alchemist, then what was he up to?

"I don't know what you're talking about," Russell said.

"Do you know Edward Elric, Mr. Tringham?" Roy said. "The reason I'm here . . . has to do with him."

*What the *hell*?* Ed thought. He turned toward his brother and whispered, "Al, we're going in there." He scrambled to his feet, and when his brother joined him, they headed for the door and knocked.

Russell turned when he heard the sound. "Hold on, Colonel." He answered the door.

"Hello, are you Mr. Tringham?" asked Edward as the door opened. He looked at Roy and feigned surprise. "Why, Colonel Mustang, you've arrived already."

"He was about to tell me what he came to see me about," Russell said.

"Really. Well, let's hear it, Colonel!" Ed said, smiling.

There was a pause, then Roy said, "I think I need to talk to Fullmetal alone first. Will you excuse us, Mr. Tringham?"

Ed blinked. He didn't expect a reaction like that from Mustang! "Huh?"

"We'll be back in a moment," Roy said, as he shooed Ed outside with a hand on the back of his coat.

When the door closed behind them, a bewildered Ed turned to Roy. "Hey, what's the problem?"

"I had wanted to speak to Mr. Tringham first before you came here," Roy said, "but you found the place sooner than I expected."

"So? Why does it matter whether I'm there or not?" asked Ed. "You really are acting weird, Colonel."

"I'm afraid I wasn't entirely honest about the reasons I asked you to come out here with me, Fullmetal," Roy said.

"Why am I not surprised?" Ed folded his arms and frowned. "Well, then what is the *real* reason?"

"Last night, when we were in the hotel, you proved two things I've long suspected about you," Roy said, leaning toward Ed. "The fact that you went to the room with me proved to me that you're filled with desire . . . you want someone to be your lover. But the fact that you got scared, broke off the encounter and then ran proved to me that you're uncomfortable with that lover being *me*."

"I don't think we should have a conversation like that here." Ed pushed him away, getting angrier. "If you're here for business with the Tringhams, then let's talk about that."

"But that *is* my business, Fullmetal," Roy said. "I learned of Russell Tringham from people within the military who *were* scouting for State Alchemists. I heard he was a young, attractive boy, about your age. I didn't know if he liked boys, but there's always a chance. The reason I wanted to talk to him, and that I wanted you to come out here too, is . . . well, let's just say I decided to play matchmaker." A sly smile spread across his face. "You *do* need a playmate your own age, Fullmetal."

Ed started to laugh." Hahahahahaha... Really?... Hahahahaha, oh man, that is *too* rich, Mustang. . ." He suddenly held his sides, nearly doubling over with laughter.

Roy frowned. "I don't think this is *funny*, Fullmetal."

"Oh, but it is. . . it is . . . “ Edward was laughing so hard he was almost crying.

"You're *laughing* at my decision to *help* you with your love life?" Roy said. "And usually, you say I'm just mean to you. Really, Fullmetal . . ."

"That is then the sole reason for your coming here then? Okay, follow me." He opened the door. "Mr. Tringham, there is something I wish to ask you."

"Yes, Mr. Elric?" Russell was baffled -- he and Al had heard the hysterical laughter, and wondered what in the world was going on.

"Colonel Mustang seems to think that I need a lover," Ed said, keeping a totally straight face. "Tell me, are you available?"

Russell blinked twice, then said, "Well, I *have* been involved with someone for several months."

Roy frowned -- his plan had gone totally awry. Why didn't he look into that? "Then I'm sorry to have bothered you, Mr. Tringham," he said.

Russell looked at Ed. "I believe you're familiar with my lover, Mr. Elric."

"Oh, yes," Ed said. "I know him personally."

And with that, he wrapped his arms around Russell and brought his mouth to the other boy's in a kiss so passionate it would have curled Al's toes if they weren't made of metal.

Roy nearly fell on the floor. "Fullmetal . . . are you telling me that all this time, you've been with . . ."

Ed lifted a finger for Roy to wait, they weren't done with the kiss just yet.

"They've been a couple for quite some time, Colonel Mustang," Al said. "I'm surprised you didn't know that the letters he was writing to Xenotime were to *him*."

"I thought it was followup on the case he worked on here," Roy said, still not quite comprehending what his eyes were telling him.

Ed broke the kiss. "Now, are we finished with our business here, Colonel? If so, there's something I want to talk to *you* about."

Al shifted, nervously. "Nii-san, maybe we should leave well enough alone . . ."

Roy held up a hand. "I want to hear what he has to say."

"What if Russell offered his services as an agricultural alchemist part-time to the military?"

Russell turned to Ed, frowning. "Edward, what the *hell* are you . . ."

"I don't mean as a full-blown dog of the military, of course," Ed said, going on as if his lover had never spoken. "Just helping out here and there where needed. And . . . he *does* know quite a bit about the subject, I might add. You *did* tell me originally that’s why we were coming out here, didn’t you?"

Roy folded his arms. "Fullmetal, where are you going with this?"

"And in exchange for his services," Ed said, "you send some of the alchemic doctors you have on staff out to this town to do something about the red water sickness people here can't seem to get rid of."

A slow smile spread over Russell's face. Of course . . . Ed was making it possible for them to have everything they'd wanted. If he were to work with the military, he'd have to live in Central, close to Ed . . . maybe even *with* Ed. And assistance from alchemic doctors would help find the cure he was seeking faster, so he and Fletcher could leave Xenotime behind and move in with the Elrics permanently.

Russell looked at Roy. "As long as you provide for both myself and my little brother, I'd be willing to do what he says."

"You *do* want me to be happy in my love life," Ed said, his words heavily weighted. "Don't you, Colonel?"

"All right, Fullmetal, you've made your point," Roy said, quickly. "Fine, I'll do whatever I can."

Al walked over to him. "Colonel, why don't you come out to breakfast with Fletcher and I? There's a restaurant near here that the Tringhams love . . ."

Ed took some money out of his pocket and handed it to Roy. "It's on me," he said.

Roy took the money, and gave Ed a sly smile. "All right, Fullmetal. We'll be sure to make it a *long* breakfast."

He shook his head as Alphonse Elric went upstairs to fetch the younger Tringham boy.

He'd just lost a battle to Fullmetal, he knew. But for the first time, he didn’t mind.

In the long run, his plan had worked out. Better than he'd thought, actually.

* * *

Russell watched the others go. "I can't believe this," he said. "Any of it."

"Hey, at least he has good taste in guys for me," Ed said, leaning over and kissing Russell.

"We'll be able to have our own place now," Russell said. "A big bedroom for us, rooms for our brothers, a lab . . ."

"Russell . . ." Ed wrapped his arms around the other boy's neck.

". . . and a big kitchen. And a greenhouse. We need a greenhouse."

"Russell . . ."

"And I want a tub *with a shower* in the bathroom . . ."

"GEEZ, Russell!" Ed squeezed him tighter. "My commanding officer ordered me to get a lover and get laid." He reached down and caressed Russell's chest. "You wanna get me in trouble?"

A sly smile crossed Russell's face. "Oh, no. I don't want you to *disobey orders* when it comes to that, do I?"

They kissed again, and headed for the bedroom.

____________

Fullmetal Alchemist is property of Hiromu Arakakawa, Square Enix and Studio BONES. No profit is being made from this fanfic.
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The Last Temptation of Edward Elric