Love and Life

Chapter 1

Roy Mustang sat at his desk with a smile. Ed would be turning in the Elric's report later today and the thought of being able to have a conversation with his subordinate made him happy.

Sure, Ed was brash, had a temper, and always had something to prove. But Roy couldn't help but wonder how much of that was because she had been given the name of Edward by her father who wanted a boy, and then disappeared.

Everyone was surprised when Al decided to join the military once he got his body back, but after all the two had been through everyone understood. Civilian life just didnt fit right. Ed was crushed when she still had her automail after it was all said and done, but Roy was a bit relieved.

See, the truth was that Roy had fallen for Ed a few years ago. It was shortly before Al got his body back and the automail was part of that. He had even given up his little black book because he was hoping that when Ed was legal she would be willing to give the older man a chance. He hadn't had a date in 3 years and Ed would be turning 18 soon.

.oOo.

Ed couldn't believe she was letting Winry do this. When would a dress like this ever be practical? And the make-up? How did women stand to do this every day? But Winry would be back in Risembool before Ed's birthday so today was makeover day.

She was just coming out of the bathroom at the cafe when she overheard two men talking over drinks. "Fine, Mike. I'll be your wingman, but you're gonna owe me one for the half metal freak."

Ed took a deep breath to settle herself and looked down at the dress. Yup, there was a reason she wore pants and long sleeves. That was the other thing she hated about the short sleeved dress. It did nothing to hide the results of her shortcomings.

She hurried back to the table to Winry. "Hey, Win. Thanks for the dress and for lunch, but I really need to finish that report before Colonel Mustang fries me to a crisp"

Winry tried to argue but gave in. Ed told her to have fun and headed toward the library. She spent the next several hours working on the report for Mustang while the phrase 'half metal freak' kept tumbling around in her head.

Eventually she gave up on trying to make the report any better and figured she might as well head over to Mustang's office. To be honest she was looking forward to it. Even tho she knew he would never return her feelings, she was just happy to be around him. She decided to stop in the bathroom and check her make-up on the way.

.oOo.

Roy did his best to ignore the janitor that was mopping his office while he worked on the paperwork that was due the next morning. He was doing pretty well until the klutz bumped his desk. Oh well, his glass of scotch didn't spill so no harm done.

Roy picked up the glass and took a swallow. He didn't really drink much, just a glass now and then. But then again he actually only drank scotch because he enjoyed the taste. Not to get drunk. You drink cheap stuff for that.

Roy was starting to feel warm and took his jacket off. He walked over to open the window and turned back toward his desk when the door opened and let in the Fullmetal Alchemist. His jaw dropped the minute he recognized her.

She was wearing a blue dress covered in lace with matching shoes. Her hair fell in soft curls around her face, and was that make-up? She was always beautiful, but tonight she was breathtaking.

"Wow...you look..." He stumbled over his words. She wouldn't look at him and he thought that she maybe even looked embarrassed. She just kept digging in her bag.

"I know how I look Bastard." She grumped. Finally she looked up at him before looking away again and saying something else he couldn't hear.

He stepped over to her, not being able to help himself. "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you." His heart was beating fast as he watched her.

She looked back up at him with tears in her eyes. "I said I look like a half metal freak!"

Roy saw how upset she was and couldn't help himself. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest as she began to cry. He was sure her mascara was going to get on his jacket but didnt care. The woman that lit up his world was heartbroken.

"Ed, you are far from a freak. Your beautiful."

"Yeah, sure." She was being very sarcastic. He could tell she didnt believe him. "Let me guess. Next you're gonna tell me that you've fallen in love with me."

"Am I that obvious?" Roy asked her with a small smile.

"Stop screwin around Bast..." suddenly his lips were on hers and she was soon kissing back.

Just as quickly as it happened he was pulling back. "Ed, I'm so sorry. I...I couldn't help myself." After a long awkward silence with Ed staring at him he smiled. "Well, I guess the cat's out of the bag now. I wasn't ready to tell you this yet. But I love you. Every part of you. I have for a long time now."

.oOo.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Roy Mustang really loved her. He was even calling her by name. Not Major or Fullmetal. She was trying to get her head around this when he leaned back in and softly kissed her again. "Still think I'm screwing around?"

It was all she could do to shake her head no. He had really said all that. Maybe he had too much to drink. She glanced at the glass on his desk and the bottle on his shelf and realized he couldn't be. She looked backed at him and smiled. "I love you too. I just didn't think you would want a disfigured kid like me."

"You are not disfigured. And you'll be 18 in less than two weeks. So you're not a kid anymore either." He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Thanks, Colonel."

Roy smiled, "Ed, call me Roy." And with that he kissed her again.

.oOo.

Ed woke up and was tangled up with Roy on the couch in his office. He had smiled when she told him she had never done anything like this before. He took his time and was so gentle with her it seemed like he was afraid she would break.

She smiled and did the best she could to untangle herself without waking him up. She got herself dressed and walked back over to kiss him on the cheek. "Sorry, Roy," She whispered, "I have to get home before Al freaks out."

She quietly slipped out of his office, leaving him to sleep, and whistled a tune all the way home.