Promise

This is one of those horrible, brutal, pain in the ass fics that will not leave me alone. I’ve been re-reading it in my mind for over a month and I’m finally just going to write the bloody thing. It’s really a mess, depressing, angsty, hard, and I hope to build a decent relationship for our favorite boys. Please enjoy, and even if you don’t, thank you for reading.

I've rewritten/expanded the sex scene, so hopefully it'll be better now.

Warning: yaoi, non-con/rape, angst, a first attempt at manga-verse writing, so please point out my errors.


Chapter 1


Rain pattered down, filtered by the leaves. Blond hair was tied back tightly in a braid, the little wisps that had escaped clinging to the upturned face. He wasn’t even sure if he was crying or if it was just rain. A light purple umbrella stopped under his branch and he glared at it from the corner of his eye. “Fullmetal, what are you doing?”

“What’s it look like?” His gaze turned back upwards, watching yellow tinged leaves shake under the water pressure.

“Looks like you’re sitting in the rain feeling sorry for yourself.” Short dark hair peeked out from under the shelter and dark eyes examined short nails. “A bit pathetic, really.”

“Oh fuck off.” As if he didn’t deserve a break. Al was mad at him again, for not letting him keep the kitten he’d found, Winry yelled at him when he called her this morning, and his auto-mail hurt from the cold. A little privacy was all he asked but judging from the unmoving umbrella under him, he wouldn't get it. “What’s it to you anyways?”

“Nothing really, I was just on my way by and managed to notice that brilliant jacket of yours. You should take it off if you don’t want to be noticed.” A catty smirk flashed. “Of course, then NO ONE would ever see you, so perhaps you should keep it on.” No response came and his face went serious again. “You should be aware; reports of Scar being spotted in the city have been coming in. You shouldn’t be alone.”

The blond’s attention was finally transferred to him with a soft snort. “So says the guy who’s useless in the rain. Where is your bodyguard, anyways? Or are you skipping work again?” The dark head ducked back under his umbrella. “Uh huh. I can look after myself.”

Neither noticed the cloaked figure walking down the street towards them, shoulders hunched against the rain and head down. When it came parallel to the brunet, a thick arm struck out and the smaller man dodged, having caught the movement from the corner of his eye and old instinct moving him almost before he registered the threat. Dark skin had his eyes widening and he grabbed for his gloves from his pocket, trying to get one on while he stumbled backwards.

The tattooed arm reached for him again and he tripped, falling to the ground and soaking his gloves completely. A flash of red and a sturdy body threw itself into the large one. On the way down, Ed pushed away and rolled out of reach, coming to a crouch facing his opponent, who had also rolled to a crouch.

They briefly assessed each other and the dark man charged, reaching for the dark blond head. A loud clap and a thick wall grew between them, surrounding the Ishbalan. “Get off your ass and move, Mustang!” He ran for him and was knocked off his feet by the exploding walls. His vision swam briefly and he saw two Colonels reaching for him, guns in hand. Red light filled his vision and he watched through a haze as his superior was thrown to the ground, a solid knee slamming into his stomach.

His legs wouldn’t move and sharp pain flared up the right from his shin. It registered that it was probably broken but he was distracted by miserable retching from beside him. The slim brunet was on his knees, arms over his stomach, gun on the ground a few feet away, his attacker standing over him. A heavy hand swung and the dark head snapped to the side, the slim body relaxing into the limpness that only comes from unconsciousness. Or death. White hair turned towards him and he couldn’t move, frozen on the ground as he approached, watching the wavering image. His eyes closed and he slid under before the blow landed.

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

Faint whimpering and he stared blankly into the dark. ‘Where am I?’ His lips were dry and he licked at them, only to flinch from the cracked skin. His leg ached and both ports felt exposed. A small shiver and he realized he was only wearing his black tank top and boxers. ‘Damn.’ There was a tight band of metal around his wrist, cutting off the circulation. His hand was already a bit numb and the fingers tingling. ‘Ok, I can still feel them, can’t have been out that long. Auto-mail’s gone.” He drew in a shaky breath and slid his hand over his hip, past the edge of his boxers and down his leg as far as it could go, just about to his ankle. ‘I’m sitting and I can reach almost to my ankle; about four feet, give or take.’ Slim fingers explored the painful area and he gritted his teeth firmly. Definitely broken but there was no open wound. Just the way his luck was running lately.

“Fullmetal.” A wary voice came from his left and a faint rattling of chains gave him a more accurate idea of positioning. Not far, a few feet at most.

“Can you touch the wall?” If he reached as far as possible, he could feel the cool from his right; he presumed it was the wall, just out of reach. Five feet, max.

“What?” Shifting and scuffed movements came from the left. “Yes, it’s just over three feet to the left from where I’m chained. Why?”

“Come on, like you’ve never been caught before. Get oriented, no use getting free if you don’t know where you are. Can you reach me? How are you tied?” His hips scooted on the ground and he whined faintly against the pain. A bare foot touched his hand and he did some calculations in his head. “Ok, about fifteen feet long, assume half again as wide. We’re underground, with lots of room to maneuver.”

Roy refrained from pointing out that knowing changed nothing about their situation. Of course, he didn’t mention he’d never actually been captured either. “My hands are chained above my head.” He remained silent again, letting the smaller alchemist work it out. There was no way out and he knew it.

“Don’t suppose you’re bleeding anywhere?”

Dark hair shook. “No. My arm is bandaged and I can’t reach it.” He’d tried that first thing, but Scar was anything but stupid.

“How much can you carry?” The blond felt around, making certain there was nothing to use. It was a last resort but it might work, if he could just get a bit of cooperation.

“Why?” That was a random question.

“My leg is broken and the auto-mail is gone; I’m not walking out of here. You’ll have to carry me.” A deep breath blew out, moving his bangs. “Do you have anything even a bit sharp on you?” His nails, which were usually chewed to little bits, were smooth for once. Al had made him fix them up a bit, because he thought they looked painful. ‘Last time I listen to him.’

“Nothing; he took my coat and emptied my pockets. Fullmetal, I can’t carry you. Your last physical gave your weight as almost two hundred pounds.”

“You prick, what are you doing looking at my physical results? And it was only a hundred and eighty-six pounds. Fifty pounds is auto-mail and I lost some weight recently, so I only weigh a hundred and twenty.” His head snapped around even though he couldn’t see anything. “Did you hear that?”

“What? You’re hallucinating, there’s nothing there.” Still, the brunet went silent and waited, vainly straining his ears for sound.

Ed pressed himself closer to the wall. Faint voices came closer and faded; loudly female, he caught a word. Taigen. The blond started to laugh, softly, then threw his head back and howled with mirth. “Fuck.”

“What? What’s so funny?” Black eyes narrowed in the darkness. “Fullmetal, have you lost it?”

“I know where we are. We’re in Taigen Quarter.” He could feel the confusion from the older man. “It’s the whore district. Those women were hookers, they won't have strayed very far from their post.” His arm moved restlessly, rubbing over his exposed port carefully. “No wonder you haven’t been able to find him.”

They both turned to face the heavy scraping of the door and blinked in the faint light that spilled in. Thick shoulders filled the door and bright light spilled from a lantern he unshuttered, showing a large, empty room. Cold red eyes stared at them and he came further in. “You are the Flame Alchemist. You were in Ishbal, murdering my people.” The lantern was set on the floor and he walked over to stand over the blond. “You are the Fullmetal Alchemist. A careless brat.”

Ed snarled up and spat at him. “Fuck you, asshole. Just kill us, unless you’re too much of a coward.” The chain rattled when he swung his fist. The impassive face stared down at him and a heavily booted foot lifted to kick him. ‘Yeah, come on, you bastard. Hurry up.’

A calculating expression passed over the dark features and the foot lowered. “You think I am a fool. You wish to bleed, so you can draw your blasphemous arrays.” A broad smile sent chills down the broad back and he shrank down a little. “I have a more fitting punishment. You destroy Ishbala’s creations, pervert their forms. I will do the same to you.” The lantern was left in the center of the room and they watched him walk to the door. “You will suffer for what you have done to my people.”

As soon as the door closed, Roy spoke. “What are you doing? Do you have any idea what he might do to you?”

The pert nose pointed up and he sniffed at him. “Of course I do, I live in dorm. If it hasn’t happened there, it doesn’t exist. But, I have someone to get home to, and dieing here with you is not the way I’m gonna go. Plan B will get us out of here.” He turned his attention to the wall and focused on a drop of moisture working its way down.

“Plan B? Was there even a plan A?” A loud snort and amber glanced to the door.

“Think, Mustang. For someone who dates as much as you do, you’d think you’d have caught on.” A dark brow rose in annoyance. “Sex is messy. Blood is good, but anything will do.” His finger pointed at the dirt floor. “Fluid will make mud, which can be used to draw an array.” Red graced his cheeks but he didn't look away, steady eyes holding darker ones. “I’m going home. You can stay here if you want.” They stared in silence, neither wavering until the door opened again.

White hair gleamed in the yellow light, reflecting eerily, and shadows played over dark skin. He was holding a key and a bottle, and only wearing a pair of loose pants. The tattoos swirled over his skin and Ed flinched to himself that this man would be touching him with those deadly hands. His eyes narrowed and he snarled at the large form as it neared. Scooting back made his gasp softly when his leg moved but his back hit the wall and he braced himself.

Mustang kicked and thrashed, trying to get free. ‘Shut up, you idiot!’ Red eyes turned away from their target. “Leave him alone! Don’t touch him, he’s just a kid!” Long hair shook in disgust the brunet’s stupidity.

A faint snarl drew the white-haired man’s attention back to him and he spat at him again, trying to keep his attention. Wasting water, damn it, but no choice. “Fuck you.” A poor choice of words, but deliberate.

A slow grin, all even teeth and glinting eyes, and he swallowed hard, bracing himself to attack. The untattooed arm reached for him and he swung, using the chain as a makeshift weapon. It wouldn’t do any harm, but it would hopefully convince the Ishbalan that he was desperate. His wrist was grabbed and bent back harshly; a soft cry escaped. He was twirled and shoved against the floor in one movement, his arm twisted behind his back.

He could feel the rough texture digging into his cheek and stomach where his shirt rode up and the large body pressed against him. ‘Shit, unchain me.’ Roy was still making noise and pressure was relieved on his arm for a second. He couldn’t move but he heard the scrape of metal on metal and the tight restriction on his wrist released. He gasped at the rush of pain as circulation started in his fingers again and he was lifted up to be flipped over. His boxers were yanked down and off, his pained cry ignored when his leg was jerked.

Rough fingers stroked him and cradled his balls, squeezing them hard enough to hurt, drawing a soft cry. They were slick with some kind of oil and the blond wiggled as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary touches. The thick digits moved further back and he shuddered, and tried to hit the large man with his fist again. A scream threatened when the slick fingers shoved inside, stretching delicate skin, and he bit his lip until it bled, tiny droplets sliding over his tongue. The bitter tang spread through his mouth and he gagged slightly.

It burned, sharp, clear pain radiating from the abused area, and Ed sobbed as Scar moved his fingers roughly, stretching tight muscle and he felt something tear, just a bit. Not enough to be serious, he’d had enough injuries to know when it would and wouldn’t heal, but the oil burned as it touched the small wound and the salt from thick flesh wormed its way in, drying his mouth with the spreading pain.

The red eyes moved from his face to Roy and a smirk to rival the officer’s best crept across his face. He dropped back to his heels and hauled the blond up by an arm around his waist. He was carried over, not daring to move or fight with the painful fingers still inside him. They continued to move and the motion of steps drove them deeper, making the blond shudder and whine. He stared in horror at his superior, who stared back, his mask in place. The one that said ‘Do as you like, it matters not.’

It was strangely comforting to know that Mustang wouldn’t lose control, no matter what happened to him, but this would be that much worse knowing that he’d seen, stared into his face while he crumbled. Which he had no doubt he would; letting someone hurt him like this could break him. But, it didn't matter. If he could get back to Al and Winry, it would all be worth it; he’d just pick up the pieces and keep moving.

Then another thick finger was added, shoving into him and his back arched to escape. He was thrust forward to rest against the slim body and his foot touched the ground. His arm jerked free of the loosened hold and wrapped around the older man’s neck to support his weight. Slim hips moved under his, jolting him and moving his hips, long legs kicking out at their captor. Soft, malicious laughter brushed his ear and rolled over the other alchemist’s face; Roy’s nose scrunched at the hot, foreign scent.

He wasn’t sure if it would be best to look ahead or to acknowledge the blond’s pain. Startlingly coarse hair rubbed his neck, it had always looked so soft, and he chose to keep his face blank and looked ahead. Coarse pants were undone and a large hand encased the thick cock, tunneling eagerly; Roy swallowed at the thought of little Ed taking something that big. He felt the young man’s jaw tense and stared haughtily into red eyes as the foreigner pushed forward, forcing himself in. The two of them stood, the blond trembling between them, Roy refusing to show a reaction, the only weapon he had, and the largest man started moving, still smiling.

The first thrust was the worst, forcing the hard erection deep, deeper than Ed ever thought his body could handle. Muscle stretched further, the little tear growing a bit under the new assault, sweat making it burn more than it should have. Tears forced their way past his eyelids and crept down his face, even when the tried to wipe them on Roy’s shirt. Each push felt like it was forcing its way in deeper, threatening to break him in half; thick fingers were gripping his hips and he could feel the bruises forming.

Long dragging thrusts had the smallest digging his fingers into the officer’s shoulder. Even, short, blunt nails left small, bloody scratches along the collar of the older alchemist’s undershirt and still, he refused to flinch, determined to take whatever his alchemist would allow him to. The soft, bitten off cries were making his head hurt and he wished it would hurry up and end; his hips were caught between Edward’s and the wall and he couldn’t help being pushed back and forth with the heavy shoves.

White flashed and sank into the heaving shoulder, and the blond screamed, low and muffled against Roy’s neck. His body jerked, shuddering violently between the two men, sobs shaking his chest. The older officer panted softly, fists clenched to keep himself under control.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the strong hips sped up, slamming them together. Ed felt tears sliding down his face more quickly and wetting the white cotton and he whimpered again. It hurt so much, more than he’d ever thought possible, more than the auto-mail. He could feel twitching inside him and it made his stomach turn and his face bury further in the strong neck and shoulder under his cheek.

Thick hands moved from slim hips to grip Roy’s and used them to move them, using him to hurt as well. He started to struggle, until his shoulder was nipped and a slightly louder moan pressed past his ear, and he realized he was causing more pain. The last few thrusts shoved them together and the muscular man finished with a throaty groan.

Sensations cascaded over the blond, refusing to let him block anything out, fuel for the nightmares he knew would come. The scent of Scar’s sweat and that dry, foreign smell, Roy’s breathe on his cheek, throbbing from his shoulder and between his legs, cool air sliding over his skin every time the large man pulled out to thrust again, the soft cotton against his stomach where his shirt rode up and harsh wool on his back and thighs, the feel of his own flesh ripping a bit more every time he was entered, the slightly wet sound of flesh hitting flesh, the feel of pulsing inside him as the scarred man released.

Faint whimpers reached Roy’s ears and he tilted his head to touch their hair together, offering any comfort he could. The blond head jerked away from him and the sturdy body fell bonelessly to the floor when Scar let him go, arm trembling too much to hold him up. “You bastard! How could you, he was innocent!” He didn't dare kick, the blond was too close, crying softly by his feet. “He had nothing to do with Ishbal. He’s just…” He couldn’t even say he was a child.

Cruel lips stretched over shining white teeth. “You’ll get your turn.” The loose pants were retied and he walked out, leaving them with the lantern.

“Fullmetal.” The huddled form at his feet didn’t even budge. Bare toes touched his chest and rubbed over his arm, avoiding the shoulder. “Edward.”

A low moan and pain filled eyes cracked open. “Shit.” He rolled to his back, tears sliding down his face. Amber glared up even as his hand slid between his legs to carefully retrieve the thick fluid running down his thighs. “Nobody, Mustang. You tell nobody.” Dark hair nodded briskly and he met bright, determined eyes. “Spit.”

“Where?” Obedience was their only hope of escaping.

The black shirt was edged up by a pinkie. “Hit skin. I need more liquid.”

This was wrong. Spitting on someone who’d just sacrificed their body for you was wrong. He closed his eyes, unable to look, and gathered as much saliva as he could. A deep breath through his nose and he opened his eyes long enough to spit quickly, hitting the ridged stomach. Edward nodded and spit into his hand, mixing saliva, semen and blood in a little well on his stomach. “Again.” Roy obliged, hitting as close as he could to the little puddle.

“Here goes.” A slender finger dipped in and started drawing a little circle, simple and plain. He worked quickly, the dirt drying quickly after each application of the fluids. Finally, he had a useable array and powered it before it could disappear. Energy crackled in the air and slid over their skin, rushing up the wall.

Pale arms fell forward, limp and painful from being tied up. The older man hit the ground on his knees, just barely missing his subordinate. “Damn it all.” His fingers moved as quickly as they could, trying to get the circulation going again.

“No time, Colonel, move.” The boy had rolled to his hip, flinching even from the small movements, and was trying to reach his boxers. “Come on, he left the door open. Didn’t think I’d be able to walk.” A slightly bitter smile and he struggled to reach to get his underwear on. Larger hands took it and slid it over his skin and a slim body crouched over his. “Get us outside, I know a safe place.”

His arm reached up and clung, giving the boost Roy needed to get him up and over his shoulder. The strong hand clenched his shirt in pain and he clasped his hands over the back of the solid thighs. The hall was silent, faintly illuminated by a light from the end, near a set of stairs. The dark head moved from side to side, checking before they ventured out.

His voice was a whisper, barely audible. “Where are we going? There’s no one near Taigen who will help the military.” It was an out of the way place, somewhere to go slumming at best and military were not well received. Especially considering the way the officers in charge tended to abuse their power, no matter how many times they were replaced.

The blond spoke in gasps, his air cut off by the shoulder under his stomach. “Military, no. They’ll help me. When we get there, knock twice, wait exactly seven seconds, and knock once. Joey will answer, tell him Eddie needs help. He’ll let you in. To get by Carmen, tell her we need a doctor and not that quack Jazlin uses either.” He stopped talking when they snuck up the steps and peered around the corner. “Don’t fuck this up, Mustang, exactly as I said or we’re both dead.” Dark moved in a quick nod and they were outside, the door shutting behind them. “What’s the street name?” His voice was fading rapidly, gasps interspersing every word.

Mustang squinted in the dark, barely able to read the faded signs. “Ah, Garte and Jordet.”

“Three blocks East, towards HQ. You can see it from here. Turn at the second building from Choda and go six and a half blocks between buildings. There’s a little hut there. There’s a path, go to the opposite side of the hut and knock like I told you on the blue door of the tall building.” Air moved his shirt in a deep sigh and the blond went silent.

“Edward?” Nothing, and the smaller body suddenly seemed much heavier. He took off, jogging as well as he could with his burden; it didn't matter if it hurt now anyways. The door was exactly where he said it would be and he knocked loudly, bruising his knuckles. A large man opened the door and stared down at him. “Are you Joey?” A low grunt and the massive arms folded in front of him. “Eddie needs help.”

Big brown eyes appraised him, then he stepped back and Roy found himself in a hotel style foyer, facing a large desk. A woman sat behind the desk and smiled at him. “Hello, I’m Carmen. One room?” Perfectly calm, as if he didn't have an unconscious, crippled boy over his shoulder.

“We need a doctor, and not that quack Jazlin uses either.” He carefully recited his lines and she was on her feet and rushing over to inspect his bundle before his voice had faded.

“Ed! Damn it, I told him not to come back here all banged up again. Joey, get him upstairs and call Jaz.” The blond was lifted off his shoulder and blue eyes turned to him and looked him over. “You’re not in much better shape, follow Leah.” A brunette appeared from seemingly nowhere. “She’ll give you a room and send our doctor around. You’ll have to tell her everything that happened; she’s very good and will take care of you both.” He just stared. “Well? Move!”

Firm hands hustled him up the steps and shoved him into an empty room, except for a large bed and a stand with a wash basin. The water was cool and he washed his face and arms, wiping himself down quickly. The bed was soft under him and the sheets and covers clean. Rushed steps ran through the hall and doors slammed open and closed. The door that had closed behind him opened and he stared up at the huge form standing there. “Did you hurt Eddie?”

His eyes narrowed and he inspected the huge man again. Something was, off. The facial features were just slightly wrong, as if they had been pushed in, and the eyes had a slant similar to his own, but more pronounced, with thick folds at the corners. “No.”

“Eddie is my friend.” The officer nodded. “It is bad that he is hurt.” Roy licked his lips and opened his mouth to answer.

“Joey. What are you doing? You are supposed to be at the door. Get.” A delicate blonde stood behind the giant, pointing towards the door they’re entered through.

A bright grin, almost childish in intensity. “Yes, Jaz.”

She smiled fondly at him and leaned up to kiss his cheek; he had to bend over to let her. “Good boy. Go on now.” Bright green turned to look at the brunet on the bed. He blinked at her. “Well, he’s stable, if in pretty bad condition. Who are you? Obviously military. Do you work with him?” The dark head nodded mutely. He had so many questions, he didn’t even know where to start. “Let’s have a look at you. Where are you hurt?” She moved quickly, tugging his shirt off and inspecting the bruises and scratches on his sides and back. His wrists were inspected and she pulled at his pants.

He grabbed her hands to stop her. “What? You don’t have anything I haven’t seen before, dear.” He continued to hold her hands still.

“I’m fine. Ed” He looked away for a second. “Ed took it so I could carry him out. His leg is broken and he was” His voice stopped again and a small hand patted his cheek.

“I know. I’ve dealt with it, nothing we can’t handle.” Her hands were pulled back and she started to rub a cream on his bruises. “This will help the swelling go down and prevent any further bruising. It’ll also keep the scratches from scarring or getting infected.”

“What is this place?” Full lips twitched and green sparkled at him.

“This, dear, is a whorehouse. You can’t tell me a pretty young man like you hasn’t been in one.” Faint pink rose in pale cheeks and she laughed lightly. “Don’t worry, we’re Edward’s friends. He looks after us, makes sure the building is warm enough in the winter and keeps the worst people out.” A soft smile and she stared into space. “He’s a very good person. Takes time to talk to the girls, gets to know them and treats them like people. Always gentle and brings little gifts when he comes. Hangs out with Joey, tells him stories, teaches him things like how to read and write. He just learned to write his name last year. If you ask, he’ll do it for you; he’s very proud of himself.” A sideways glance at him. “I’m sure you noticed he’s a little off.” A slow nod. “He was born that way, always so sweet and gentle, but couldn’t understand what was happening around him. He isn’t very useful when it comes to actually kicking bastards out, but, he scares away most of the bad ones. When Edward first came here, he almost killed a guy for hitting one of the girls. He’s been helping out ever since. Ed is really a miracle; we’d be lost without him.”

Roy sat and digested the deluge of information. He hadn’t realized Fullmetal saw anything other than his brother. Well, that wasn’t strictly true, but everything he did was in some way related and they stumbled across other people’s problems entirely by accident. His stomach suddenly growled loudly and he blushed while the doctor giggled. “I’ll have one of the girls bring up a plate. I assume noodles and vegetables are fine.”

A grateful smile. “Anything is perfect. Thank you, for taking us in. We appreciate it. My name is Roy.”

“My name is Jazlin, call me Jaz. And with what we owe Ed, this is nothing.” A little wave and the door shut behind her. He heard the lock click but wasn’t offended; he was a stranger and military. Trust was not something he expected.

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

Morning brought a warm breakfast, served by a young blonde. She edged in, set the tray down, and bolted. The door was left open, so he ate and crossed the hall where he’d seen the bouncer take his subordinate. The door was unlocked and he turned the handle cautiously and opened the door slowly to avoid making noise. There were three blond head in the bed and he thought he’d made a mistake but no, those gold bangs were pretty distinctive.

A low moan and he tried to roll, the thick brace on his leg preventing movement. Glazed eyes cracked open and stared up at the ceiling before turning to the door. “Mustang?”

“Yes, Fullmetal. We made it. Looks like you had better company that I did though.” Ed looked at his companions and shrugged, pushing himself to sit.

“It’s just Linny and Pat. They like to sleep with me when I stay.” That was a surprise; the blond didn’t like anyone touching him. It was as big a taboo as taking shots at his height or Al.

He had to ask. “You don’t mind?” Snuffles indicated they were waking up and they curled into the warmth of the blankets.

“Come on, ladies, up and out.” Soft smacks were delivered to blanket covered backs. “Go, go, go.”

“Eddie, noooo.” Blue peeked up and long lashes fluttered cutely; he was unmoved and swatted her back again. The other blonde just rolled to her feet and pulled her bedmate up. They stumbled to the door and Roy moved aside for them.

“As to if I mind, not them. They’re good girls, pretty delicate around men, so if they want to stay with me, it’s ok. And it’s not often anyways.” Unspoken was that it was nice to have gentle touches after the brutality he’d endured. He struggled with his pillows, trying to get them behind his back for support. Roy grabbed them and stuffed them into place, careful not to touch. A reluctant “Thanks.” and he pulled up a chair to sit beside the bed.

“So.” A pale brow arched at him. “How did you find this place? Seems unlikely you’d be down here for its intended purpose.”

Red flashed across the even features. “Of course not! I was just walking and ended up in the area. There was screaming, so I helped. The girls are really nice and they’re just trying to survive, like everyone else. They don’t want to be here either, Mustang; this isn’t the life they chose.”

The older man tilted his head in acknowledgement of that truth. “Security is pretty tight. What would have happened if I’d gotten the password wrong?”

“Carmen would have shot you, then me.” Steady amber convinced him it wasn’t a joke.

He swallowed heavily. “But, I thought they were your friends? That you come here fairly often?”

A quick smile. “Yeah, they are, and I do. But, this area is a favorite hangout for homunculi. Nobody cares and nobody will come if you scream. Usual customers use the rooms downstairs or to the left. These rooms are for guests and friends; trusted people. Security is tighter downstairs. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because they used me to get in.”

A pale hand was held out. “Wait, they know about the homunculi?”

“Yeah. Seems like everyone around here does and takes care to try and stay away. They actually know about as much as we do, if not a bit more.” Gold smirked at him, secure in his knowledge base. “It’s a game for those creatures. If the girls figure it out before getting hurt, they’ll usually leave quietly; after all, it’s only fun if you don't get caught.”

“Why didn’t anyone report monsters like that?” It was beyond him why this wouldn’t have been reported so people could be safe.

“To whom? The military? They are the monsters. If you can’t pay, they won’t even see you. Taxes are collected from the prettiest girl, even if you have the money. Murder, rape, assault? Occasionally they look at it if an inspection is coming up, but mostly it’s ignored.” A bitter smile replaced the smirk. “That’s what it’s like here, Mustang. Uniforms rule and everyone else licks their boots.” Roy’s lips moved but nothing came out; he hadn’t realized the corruption had gone that far.

Silence was more comfortable than talking for a few minutes but after a bit, Ed fidgeted with his blankets a bit and nibbled his lip. A rare show of uncertainty. “You won’t tell anyone, right? About them?” About my refuge. “Or anything?” You won’t tell anyone I was raped. Or that I allowed it without a fight.

Dark eyes stared straight at him, willing him to believe. “Never. I swear, no one will ever find out from me.” Long hair tipped at him in acceptance of his promise.





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

So there we are. It took longer than I thought to write, a lot of editing from the version I started with, but I like this one better. Incidentally, Ed would be about sixteen, seventeen here, in case anyone was wondering. And I was reminded, that yes, it is manga verse, which means Ed and Winry go together, at least right off the bat; just mentions in the story, but I thought I'd mention it here as well. This is really long, so I'll just shut up now. Thank you for reading!