Title: Sicks: a little lullaby in the rainy day.

Genre: Angst, hurt/comfort.

Pairing: Roy x Ed.

Rating: R-15 (for this first part R for swearing).

Warnings: Anime/manga spoilers, YAOI (don't like, don't read).

Summary: In a rainy day, Edward collapses and Roy took care of him, however he ended discovering more about the darkness that have been surrounding his commanding officer.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything, all rights to Hiromu Arakawa and the companies that bought those.

A.N.: This is an adaptation from the Jackpot's doujinshi called "Sicks", in two volumes. I changed some aspects, but basically it's very similar to the original. Before someone could ask, this doujinshi wasn't scanned; it's from my personal collection bought in Japan. Note that the fic's title is EXACTLY the same of the doujin, and it contain grammatical errors T.T . I hope that this could be enjoyable; it's my first attempt in angst.

Please review if you're enjoying this, or else I won't bring sicks#02. Good criticism no flames!

This fanfic had two beta readers: Ametyst-eyed koneko and fullmetal'sgirl92.

B.N.: Koneko: Hi Everybody! Thanks for taking the time to read this. :) Haganeko and I worked very hard to make this the best it can be so please enjoy our efforts! I had never beta'd anything before this and had no idea what I was getting myself into. Whew! This proved to be the most challenging fanfiction related thing I've ever done! It surprised me just how much detail goes into crafting a story. My hat is off to all you writers out there! :) I would like to encourage other writers out there, those of you who can read Japanese of course, to try translating doujinshi like this. Not only is it a bit of challenge; but by doing this, you will get more doujinshi stories into the hands of eager fans! We all love our scanlations but this is the next best thing. Again, thanks for reading this! Reviews and concrit are most welcome! Please don't flame us! :)

Koneko.

Fullmetal'sgirl92: I really didn't do much. But I tried. It was my first time being a beta reader. Hope I at least gave you another point of view.

Arigatou minna XD

Sicks #01

Fullmetal entered my office today like a little king, scowling at my subordinates, stealing my peace. In fact, he's still in front of my desk. He came to turn in his latest report of destruction. More of the state's money spent in vain. I don't care. I know that everything he does is for the benefit of others. He is innocent, untouchable, and pure. The consequences with my superiors are the problem. He needs to understand. He needs to learn.

"Redo it", I said to him dismissing the piece of junk in my hands that he calls a report.



He was startled. Sweat rolled down from his temple. His lip trembled and his mouth was slightly open. "Say it", my mind thought in anticipation. It's always the same. He'll yell at me because I've discovered that he did his report on the train coming back to Central. Minutes pass but nothing comes.

He remained there, in front of me, silent. I sighed and took this as a good sign. Could he be growing up? He's almost sixteen years old but so small, so immature. Impossible. Maybe some teasing could reveal his true face.

"I can't believe… did you really expect me to accept this horrible report? With the exception of some of the paragraphs at the top, I can't even read it."

I tried to read it again. I felt his stubborn gaze on me. His breathing was quickening in obvious annoyance. He's more stubborn than I thought; but a short temper is not something you easily hold on to, especially for Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist. Then it finally came.

"You…", his voice was low and dangerous. "An old man like you can't possibly understand other people's business". A vein was bulging on his forehead.

"Bingo". Yes, he hadn't changed. A short joke could finish this.

"You don't understand either. You couldn't handle such SMALL thing. You need to grow up Fullmetal."

"Wha-", he shut his mouth then slammed both hands down on my desk loudly and glared at me. His eyes were filled with anger and the desire to kill. He glared at me, hating me.

This is odd. Fullmetal was never one to regret yelling. Was I wrong? Had he finally learned how to behave like an adult? This was uncomfortable. I leaned forward and placed my elbows on my desk. I laced my fingers together and rested my chin on them. I stared back at him.

"Yes Fullmetal?" I said calmly, unflinching. When I got no response, I then said rather coldly, "I have a sudden temporary reassignment tomorrow afternoon. I will be unavailable until the following morning. You will work on your report during that time. Do it quickly. I'm counting on you." I leaned back in my chair.

I'm tired and I need a drink. Tomorrow will be one more boring day. Who knows where they're sending me this time. The tension in my shoulders eased a little and I stayed there waiting for him to leave with stomps and shouts. I even closed my eyes. So tired… And once again, he acted oddly. I looked at him out of the corner of my eyes. He was staring at me with an odd expression.

"Anything else?" I said, never looking at his face directly. Damn it Ed, go away. Your presence hurts me. He seems to want to say something but only silence fills the room.

"What?" I stared at him again.

"Ah… y-your…" he was embarrassed, scratching his nose. "Y-your face is pale… paler than normal…I think…" He rubbed his mismatched hands together, a clear sign of distress.

What did you mean Fullmetal? Have you started to care about me now? Don't give me empty words, not you. I envy you your innocence, your truthful convictions. Wait… Could this be some sort of trick? The kind that children play on their parents? Speaking soft words to change their minds or placate their anger?

I looked at him, searching for a sign. He fidgeted but his eyes were sincere. Perhaps the second option then. Yes, those are the eyes of a child. I don't blame you. You never had a father to teach you or care about you. But I'm not your father Ed; and I don't plan to be.



"If you don't start improving your handwriting soon, you'll be in trouble" I sighed. He tensed and that murderous look returned to his eyes. Better like this. This is more Ed-like.

"I'm sorry but I'm busy. You should go now."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Fucking Colonel!" I yelled in the corridor. Fucking asshole! Why?! It's just a piece of paper. How does he always know everything that I do!

His eyes were so… cold. Cold and distant…like my father. His face somehow reminded me of that bastard. That fucking useless guy…just like him.

"Edward? Is that you?"

Who…? A female voice… Yeah, it's Lieutenant Hawkeye coming from the cafeteria.

"Edward, did you come to turn in your report?" She smiled.

Always polite. I like her. Even if she chose to follow that bastard, she is always kind to me. I almost forgot my anger. Almost.

"This?" I showed her my burned report, or rather, what was left of it. The son-of-a-bitch burned it before I left his office. She smiled in understanding. This isn't the first time. This woman understands that bastard better than anybody here, even his womanizing habits. Maybe she should know…

"… Lieutenant…the Colonel…isn't he… acting strange?" I finally asked her. Her expression became somewhat wary as she tried to maintain a calm façade to my question.

"Excuse me?" she said softly.

"… Perhaps he dislikes something at work… or maybe he's working too hard…? What's happen-"

"You look hungry or is something wrong Boss?" an amused voice interrupted me. Havoc.

I turned quickly to glare at him.

"What the hell?!" I saw his idiotic expression. Disgusting smoke reached my nose. I used my arm to block it. Someday he'll die from smoking that shit.

"Are you worrying about your enemy? So sweet…" he grinned. "He burned your report again, didn't he?"

"Shut up!" I wanted to punch him in his nose. He deserves it.

"Don't worry, Boss." He patted my back "We have time. Let's do something…"

"I'm busy… maybe some other day…" I said to him remembering the words of that bastard colonel. It's almost evening. Al is waiting.

"You're weird boss. When you're concerned, you turn as docile as a kitt-". His grin vanished from his face when I kicked him in the leg…with my left foot.



"W-What'd I do?" he asked while clutching his shin on the floor.

I'm tired of all of this. Better go home. Before I leave them, I notice the Lieutenant's face. She seems so contemplative. Maybe even…sad?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Back at the hotel, I took a bath and thought about what the Bastard told me today. Its better write the damned report before go to bed. I grabbed my pen and note and started to write it in the small couch of our tiny room.

"What's this?" Al said coming in from outside. "Brother, isn't this your report? You went to the Colonel's office today didn't you?"

I keep writing. I'm too pissed off about this to talk. Let me see. The human body follows the law of… what's the name of that theory about human composition…?

"Hey, Brother-", Al started again.

"Yes it is and what do you want?" Sometimes I'm very scary and now is one of those times.

"Uh, it's nothing…" Al replied meekly and I heard him go straight to his bed. Sorry Al. I need to finish this and taking care to write legibly takes a lot of time. Shit! I hate doing this! This is so troublesome! This is so boring! It's all his fault!

That asshole… His image comes to my mind one more time. He's such an idiot. Why does he always give me a second chance? Why? Why do I keep following him anyway…?

What?! What am I thinking? I'm going insane. Damned Colonel! How stupid…

I don't want to remember. I don't want to remember his face.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Brother!" Al yelled at me.

"What?" Sometimes he's so annoying. I was just getting to the best part of the book. Maybe staying locked in a hotel room all day does things to one's mind. We should go out later… nah… tomorrow.

"Don't answer me like that! You're supposed to give this to the Colonel, aren't you?" He showed me that hated piece of paper and gave it to me.

"Why is this still here?", he yelled again. "It's already evening don't you know?!"

Damn it Al. I just took my shower and I'm feeling pretty lazy right now. I don't want to go out.

"It's okay; it's not a big deal." It's better to talk to Al now or he'll not leave me alone. "One more day won't kill him."

"He'll be mad at you brother!" he continued.

"He's always mad at me. I don't mind."



Yeah, that bastard is always mad at me, teasing me, driving me nuts. Why do I care about it? Is it because he's my commanding officer? Something strong came from inside me, a sneeze. Geez, thinking of this is sending chills down my spine.

"Why are you so childish? Your hair's still wet. You'll catch a cold!" He started to dry my hair with my towel.

"Al! It hurts! Ouch!" It hurts. If he's mad at me, it's okay. Just don't look at me with that cold gaze anymore.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He is standing before me again. He is coughing a lot. Maybe this is the reason why he delayed his report; but a simple cold isn't enough reason to act childishly. He delayed his evaluation report. This is very important. Without it, he can't do any research or take the evaluation exam. It's not as bad as the other one. Actually, it's pretty good; but it needed to be turned in yesterday. I had ordered him to do that.

"I read it" I said putting his work on my desk. He's coughing again, worse than before. His face is red and he really doesn't look very good.

"… and?" he asked meekly.

"You didn't have to give this to me so quickly" I replied and saw his eyes widening. Sorry Edward, you needed to learn. "You had to do a lot of work to get this done, didn't you?"

"That's it?" he said in disbelief. "My deadline was yesterday. I won't be punished?"

"Did I say that?" His look shifted from disbelief to relief. He probably didn't understand the lesson.

"When you have work to do, you need to do it quickly and BEFORE the deadline. Didn't I say that? I gave you this narrow time frame just so you could learn this lesson. You're so immature…"

He wanted to yell, but a fit of coughing seized him. He stayed in front of my desk coughing for several minutes and I became concerned. After the crisis passed, he was breathing heavily, trying to fill his lungs with air again.

"I'll be back" he stated and turned to leave.

Outside the weather was turning pretty bad. A storm was coming. I couldn't let him go out in this weather. I quickly grabbed his human arm. He gaped at me in surprise.

"What…? Let me go!" He struggled against my grip.

Why do I care? He's a stubborn, childish brat! He trembled under my grip. I saw fear in his eyes. Why do I care about you Ed? I couldn't find a response so I remained silent for some moments.

"It's going to rain." He looked at me astonished.

"Wha…?" he said confused. Maybe he hasn't noticed his own condition. His face is so red, maybe he has a fever.

"It's very cloudy and dark outside. A storm is coming. It's best not to leave the building." I said finally. For once in your life, hear me…



"What?! Are you the weather man now?" He slapped away my hand and took a step away from me.

No, I'll not allow him to do this. I have to protect him, even from himself. I took a step in his direction and grabbed him by his shoulders. He's so hot! I took my hand from his metal shoulder and put it on his forehead. His eyes widened.

"Are you really going out with this fever?" I was sure this was not a low grade fever. "It's best you rest a little. You may sleep in one of the guest quarters. The dorms are full so only these private offices are not in use. They're reserved for high ranking officers but you can use my keys."

My offer however just pissed him off. He slapped my hands away with enough force to free him from my grip.

"What…? Why are you wasting your time pretending that you care about me? Is this pity?!" he shouted, angry.

I was speechless. Were my actions guided by pity?

"I don't need your pity!" he yelled again and left my office running.

Good, Fullmetal. I don't care. I'll sit here and I won't mind. However, something stronger than me made me look out the window. The rain had started to fall.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Why does he care? Back then too, five years ago, in Risembool. Why are you always standing in front of me?

I'm not a baby to be taken care! Shit! My head hurts like a hell and my vision is blurring. Maybe that bastard was right. Something hit me on my head. Water. Shit. It's raining. I need to find some place… that phone booth will do.

He was right. Here I am locked in a phone booth so far from the hotel. The coughing is getting worse. My chest is heaving. It's so difficult to breathe; I can't even think straight. Al. I need to call Al. He's waiting. Everything is turning black. I can't reach the telephone. I need to…

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Colonel? What's the matter? You've been looking out the window for almost an hour." Havoc said dragging me from my thoughts.

He was so hot. My hand can still feel the heat.

Havoc brings in more paperwork. "I brought these documents from 'up'…"

"I'm leaving." It was time to act. I grabbed my coat and he looked at me with a dumb expression.

"What? In the middle of this storm?" He left the papers and followed me into the corridor.

"You're coming with me."

I couldn't hear anymore. After a moment, he grabbed two umbrellas and handed one to me. My mind was focused on finding Fullmetal. I can't let something happen to him. I promised myself.



He couldn't be too far from Headquarters. He has a high fever. Only someone as stubborn as Edward wouldn't notice it. I looked everywhere. If he wasn't so damned small…

After a while I saw something. Red. In a telephone booth. No, God, not again! I opened the booth and Edward was lying on the floor, the receiver out of the hook. Just like that night, the night I lost my best friend forever. I'm shaking. My mind is reeling, remembering that image of Hughes and all the blood.

No.

My mind went blank, shifting between the present and the past. No...It couldn't happen again! NO! I wouldn't let it!

Hughes.

Edward.

Hughes.

"Fullmetal?"

To be continued.