Title: Numb
Chapter Title: Assumptions
Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist/Elfen Lied
Pairings: RoyEd
Rating: T for teen
Summary: What happens when you discover that there's something seriously wrong, not only with your superior officer, but enemies, friends, family, even yourself? It all links back to the power of the Gate, and why certain people are perfect for sacrifices in the creation of the stone...

Other: Okay, hiya, I'm Tiger. You can call me that for now. If I get to know you better, maybe something else. Lynx, or you might know him as... Lust or Taisa, I think, is the co-author. We basically write this together, and then he goes over it and we make it work. Of course, since I can't read really long things, putting aside Lynx's need to make things extra long, they'll only be about two thousand words.

Uhmn... I think that's all.

It was always easy to use wars to cover up the experimental process that brought forth death and turned the handsome sand into pools of blood. It was the only time to test their weapons, to bring about a new age. Homunculi, chimera, they were all instruments created by man to serve a purpose, whether it be to attack, to protect, or even just to live. Perhaps it was the beginning of man's downfall, and either through divine will or evolution, depending on who or what you chose to believe in, a new 'race' was discovered.

There were many different reasons that had been said to start the Ishbalan rebellion. To be honest, I never thought that there could have been more than one. The child being shot was good enough to sate me, and I went in using my strength to squelch the flames of war with my own. That whole saying... 'fighting fire with fire'... perhaps it was a foolish notion, that I should have been mature enough at that age to know that killing could not be so easy, that it would live with me for the rest of life.

But it seemed... after we had gotten there, there was a much deeper reason to that battle, a reason to exploit those of us who were a tad bit more than just human weapons. I've always known I was better, it wasn't hard to determine. Superior looks, a charisma that could not be matched, intelligence, I was reading alchemy books while kids found amusement in little comics. When it came to learning my specialty of alchemy, it didn't change, I did what no normal alchemist could do, said so by my master himself. I was no normal man, I prided myself in that, and even though I was different... I never let that bother me. Why should I? I'm far superior than these monkies...

Blood...

"You could at least listen when I give a damn report!"

Midnight eyes lifted from the floor they had been focused on, narrowing slightly at being disrupted by that rather shrill voice, the man turning a bit in his seat. He didn't have to look far for the short blonde, eager to make a comment, but remaining quiet. His headache was returning, and provoking the smaller alchemist would only result in a bigger one, despite all his efforts to keep it down. Ed... had no idea how hard it was to keep himself controlled sometimes... "I could, but I'll save that for the time that you actually don't give me rubbish as a report and more pathetic excuses you picked from the ground, trying to get me to believe it's a sundae with a cherry on top. I apologize, don't bore me to the ends of the planet and I might give some sympathy to your plights. A word of advice, Fullmetal, stick to orders and you won't be in trouble."

Eyes of molten gold glared fiercely, hands slamming down on the desk, getting very little in terms of a reaction from the man with a god-complex behind the desk. "Listen up you pompous windbag! I don't know what the hell your problem is lately, but you better stop your PMSing bull shit and do your damn job."

Thin brows raised, smirking at the blonde's words and leaning towards the desk. "You're sorely mistaken, Fullmetal, and being wrong can get you killed. I'm looking out for you, making sure you don't get into trouble. I'm sure there are others like Archer who would love to have you. If I'm such a bother, why don't you transfer?"

"Because you'd never sign the papers!"

"I would if you didn't give me as pathetic a reason as you did today as to why the military has to reimburse three nights lost at an inn for your mistakes."

"It wasn't my fault. I wouldn't have booked it if I had known that the train was going to break down!"

"And why did it break down?"

The teen blinked, shifting uncomfortably. He... had him there. It was sort of his fault the train broke down. Of course he was just helping some rich lady and he got carried away! What was he supposed to do, let them rob her and get away scott free? Roy was treating him so unfairly about this!

"It's as I thought. You were being reckless." He stood from his seat, darks eyes losing focus for a moment while he oriented himself, smirk fading but reviving just as easily as normal. "I have an appointment. I'll be in and out of the office for a good portion of the week so, I need someone to help Hawkeye manage the place while I'm gone."

"What?"

"Call it a grounding, kid, for being so nonchalant about the military's money. You're not to leave the office under any circumstances. The only exception is if Hawkeye gives you permission. Only then, and I mean only then, will you be allowed to leave. Or, should I found you disobeyed this order as well, it won't be a slap on the wrist Fullmetal."

Ed's eyes narrowed, frowning deeply at the sound of the man's voice. It was the usual condescending tone, or didn't even have it's usual hint of sarcasm, it was just... void. "This appointment, Mustang..."

"It's for the physician, if you must know."

"Is everything all right?"

"Why would you care, hmn?" The trademark smirk returned, the man straightening his jacket, as if preparing to leave for something. His fingers were quick but fluid, tugging harshly at the collar that he saw no reason to adjust. Then again, he wasn't much for the formal look, and Roy always seemed to think he had to look perfect. Bastard... always thought he was better... "You seem fairly interested in my private life, for what reason, I cannot tell. If you must know, it's a routine thing. Every three months."

"Not that I care or anything, but..."

"No, I am not sick, Fullmetal. Alchemy takes it's toll on the body, you know yourself. It's a military thing, to make sure we don't suffer any poor responses from our research, or everyday usage. Alchemy isn't exactly understood to its full extent. You should see one as well."

"I'm fine."

"Are you?"

Gold found onyx, searching for a moment before his arms crossed, he huffed, and turned on his heel. "Of course I am! I think I would know if there was something off with my body."

"Would you? Or... are you trying desperately to hide something that is already as plain as day to see?"

"What?"

He chuckled, pushing his chair in and tossing a set of keys towards the youth. "You're afraid of either the doctor, the sterile surroundings, the sick or needles. And here I thought you were a big boy now. That's the key to the office, the car and my house. I'd appreciate it, if I haven't returned by six tonight, that you go and lock up my place for me. Hawkeye will know where to go."

"You think you'll be gone that late? Shouldn't you have your key in case I do lock it?"

"Don't be ignorant. Of course I have a spare. Besides, I don't plan on going home tonight anyway."

"A night out with your 'maidens of the midnight'?"

Another smirk. Ed had to wonder if that was all the man could do. He never smiled, not even a grin that said he was happy. He had to wonder if he was ever happy to begin with. He wanted to know what stirred behind that surface, the change in moods, even the way he spoke. However, that would be admitting that Roy Mustang was right and he was interested, despite it really only being the alchemist under the surface speaking, and telling him to wonder. A researcher learned everything about their subject before making a hypothesis. He just couldn't read him enough to make one... "Perhaps. Why? Wondering who it is, or jealous that you aren't one of my lovely maidens?"

Well-colored cheeks tinted lightly with a shade of pink, gritting his teeth and growling as the man laughed and walked past, automail creaking as metal grinded against metal in attempts to both threaten and restrain himself from striking his boss. How did he get that man for a boss anyway!?

"I'll say this once, Edward." The black trench was slipped on over the blue of his uniform, eyes falling back briefly to catch sight of the smaller alchemist. "I appreciate it."

The keys fell to the floor as Ed stood there, rather surprised by the words of gratitude from the man, the small, very quick smile that lifted his lips as he turned and passed through the door. Maybe the man had a serious fever or something... maybe he was the one with the fever? While he told himself he never worried about him, this was one time he was not afraid to admit that there was something seriously wrong with the picture.

His hands had found themselves buried and occupied in the pockets of the trench, grinning at the car that stopped before him. The dark haired man within, wearing his rectangular spectacles and grinning like a stupid kid. He wasn't personally into the happy-go-lucky thing right now, but with this man, you didn't have much of a choice. "Hughes. You're supposed to remain inconspicuous." "And you aren't?"

Roy's eyes fell back to the trash can that had 'tipped' on it's 'own', snorting and slipping into the car with little care. "It happens."

"You only managed to last this long because of that band..."

"Are you scolding me for not staying in that lab, Maes?"

"I'd rather you not get into trouble."

Roy's gaze fell out of the window, rolling it down to allow the breeze to ruffle through and distract him, relax him. "Blood, Maes."

Citrus eyes narrowed slightly, only glancing at his companion. "I don't like the sound of that, Roy."

He chortled, raising his left hand to stare at the palm in captivation. "I don't know what it is... I can't stand to be the one to do it, but I long to see the fountains again. The beautiful fountains of red that even made the driest places fill with an ocean. My mother found such enjoyment..."

"Stop that nonsense. We'll get it out of you, don't worry."

"Nonsense, Maes?"

"You don't like it. It doesn't bring you joy. That's just the virus talking."

Roy sighed, nodding slowly and allowing his hand to fall. "Fullmetal."

"What about Ed?"

"He's the one I want."