Alchemists, it seemed, always came in pairs. Maes Hughes had thought about it often.
In their many years of friendship, he rarely saw Roy Mustang alone. And Maes knew that, no matter how close their friendship was, there were things that Roy needed that only another alchemist could provide. There was much to be said for the companionship offered by one engaging in similar sins.
And so Maes had seen his friend with any number of other companions; some very dear and others that were merely acquaintances that offered stimulation for the mind and comfort for the weary heart. Maes thought he had seen it all.
But he hadn't counted on this.
He hadn't expected to be approaching his friend's home this night to see a familiar blond head in the window. He hadn't expected to see his friend's head near the other and hadn't expected to see them...was that laughing?
Blond hair tossed as Edward's head leaned back and he chuckled. Maes could hear it outside. Roy's eyes were squinted shut and his shoulders were shaking with amusement. They must have been on the window seat that Maes himself had frequently occupied. But he wouldn't think about that. He wouldn't think about how it felt to not be the other half that his friend was drawn to with such electricity.
It was nice, though. It was nice to see his friend being so companionable and content. He rarely heard that deep rumbling laugh that came out of that pale throat, sounding like a locomotive chugging to a stop. He knew with all the things his friend had experienced in his life, all the merciful things he had done, he deserved this bit of happiness. He deserved the companionship of anyone he chose, even if Maes wished it were him that balanced out the charges of Roy Mustang.
He smiled as he saw a gloved hand reach up to rest on the cheek of the younger blond man and he saw Edward lean a bit into the touch. Maes stepped quietly out of the lamplight and began to head home before he would see lips descend upon each other and the small lamp beside the window seat switch off.