A/N: Okay, so a little bit of a different valentine day story here

A small background for this ficlett:
For this, Roy and Ed have started seeing each other (more for
sex than for anything), but they haven't really developed 'deep'
feelings for each other as of yet, though Ed is just starting to.

Cheap Chocolate

Year 1

Flowers and Chocolate

"You know... some people give their lovers gifts on Valentines Day..."

Roy scribbled his signature on the document and moved to the next one, trying in vain to ignore Ed's whining.

"Are you even listening to me? Jeez... this sucks... you could at least take me out to dinner or something..." Ed growled from where he was sitting on one of the couches located in Roy's office.

Looking up, Roy grunted and said, "It's a stupid holiday, Ed..."

"Yeah, but..." the teen began, but Roy cut him off.

"What do you want? A pink heart-shaped box with candy inside?" Roy asked, rolling his eyes.

"Well... no..." Ed said sheepishly, "but..."

"Or maybe you'd like me to bring you balloons and flowers?" Roy asked flatly. It was times like this that it was glaringly obvious that Ed was still a kid; not that Roy hadn't gotten his female dates such things in the past, and that had only been if he really felt it was necessary, but... the thought of giving something like that to Ed was a little nauseating.

He cared for Ed, but they didn't have a sappy relationship. They insulted each other in public, and found pleasure with each other in private, but they were never sappy; never lovey-dovey. That was beside the fact that he thought it was a waste of money which just happened to be his primary reason for not wanting to indulge Ed in such a stupid thing.

The teen looked away and mumbled, "Maybe... I mean, it would just be nice to be acknowledged by you as your... you know..."

Roy watched as a small tinge of red dusted Ed's cheeks before getting up and walking over to him. Sitting down on the couch, Roy reached around and fondled Ed while nipping at his neck. "I do acknowledge you..."

With a sound of irritation, Ed pushed him away and stood up. "Not like that..."

Roy frowned and glared up at the sullen teen. "Those things are a waste of money, Ed."

"It's not like it would be all that expensive. Jeez... you're such a cheapskate! Never mind that I even brought it up..." Ed said, turning and stalking to the door.

With a low growl, Roy got up and grabbed Ed's arm. Fighting with Ed never had good ramifications for his libido. "Look..." he said, trying to find some sort of compromise. "Let's have dinner..." Dinner would be fine, he supposed. They'd have to eat anyway, and he had a feeling that if he didn't give Ed something for this stupid holiday, then he probably wouldn't be getting anything from Ed tonight.

"Well..." the teen said, a considering look on his face as if he couldn't decide whether or not to stay upset.

"Don't be mad," Roy coaxed with a small smile. "If it means that much to you, then I don't mind spending the money," he lied smoothly.

"Really?"

"Really," Roy answered, trying to decide how cheap of a place he could take the kid and still keep him happy.

Roy tightened his tie as he walked down the sidewalk. Sure he owned a car, but Ed lived so close that there was no point using the gas to drive such a short distance. The restaurant he'd chosen was also within a good walking distance.

Suddenly a noise caught his attention. Looking down an alley, Roy saw a man toss a bouquet of flowers and a heart shaped box into a dumpster then stalk angrily away. Roy waited until the man was gone before entering the alley and peering into the dumpster.

The flowers were in good condition and it seemed that the heart-shaped box, something that probably had chocolates in it, was unopened. As he stared at the items an idea formed in his head and he glanced around to make sure no one was looking before hoisting himself up so that he could reach the flowers and chocolates.

Snatching them, Roy hopped back down and inspected the items. The bouquet was in okay shape, but some of the flowers had been damaged. Picking out one of the best looking ones, Roy took it from the bouquet before tossing the rest back into the dumpster. Next, he inspected the box and found it to be in good enough condition that no one would be the wiser.

Feeling pretty pleased with himself, Roy hurried the rest of the way to Ed's place and knocked on the door. When he answered, Roy smiled and held out the flower and chocolates.

For a moment, Ed only stared, then a big smile spread across his face. "I thought you said it was a waste of money."

"It is," Roy answered handing the flower and chocolates to Ed before letting himself inside.

Ed closed the door and said, "Yeah but you got them anyway." He paused, opened his mouth to say something, but seemed to decide against it. Instead, he grabbed Roy's tie, pulled him down and gave him a hard kiss. After a moment, Ed let go and breathed, "Let's not take too long at the restaurant, okay?"

Grinning at the prospect of what lay ahead for him tonight, Roy nodded and watched the teen put the flower in a cup of water. Ed put the box of chocolates on the counter before coming back and putting his arm through Roy's

"You know," Ed said as they started for the door. "You're not nearly as cheap as I thought you were."

Roy nodded as they walked outside and said with a grin, "You don't know the half of it."