A/N

This was written spur of the moment so I haven't thought out the whole plot. I may or may not continue it after the next chapter. For the sake of the story I have changed Ed's remaining automail limb to be his arm instead of his leg so he can move stealthily. Feel free to make any suggestions if you see something that needs improvement. I realize that in this chapter Roy is in ultra passive mode. I wanted to kinda get across that the identity of the vigilante (or lack thereof) was weighing heavily on his mind. We'll see more dialogue and action from him later on.

Disclaimer: I do not own the song from the bar scene. All rights to it belong to Muse.

The sound of Ed panting was drowned out by the police sirens. He hurried to the apartment complex just ahead and swung himself up to the fire escape telling himself not to look down. Superpowers my ass he thought as he tentatively, but quickly, made his way upwards to the top story. When he reached the window that belonged to him he opened it and dove in. "What the hell possessed us to get an apartment on the top floor?" he all but growled at his little brother sitting at the dining table doing homework.

"Cheap rent." Al replied not missing a beat, "Sounds like you had a close call."

"Damn cops. I wouldn't have to run if they'd quit treating me like a threat." Ed griped as he got a drink from the fridge.

"You knew when you started they'd view you that way. Amestris has never been kind to vigilantes."

Ed grunted not bothering to reply. Al was right of course, but he was in a stubborn mood and therefore determined to be a sour grape.

Roy

"She's gone."

Lieutenant Roy Mustang was crouched at the museum entrance when Sergeant Hawkeye approached him with the report.

"Damn it. She's always one step ahead of us. Have Havoc and Breda finish the sweep, we're heading back to the station." Roy stood and checked his watch. 9 o'clock. If he hurried and wrapped things up he could still make it to the bar with Maes if only for a little. Over the years their Friday evening meeting had become more "maybe" and less "steadfast tradition", but they both did their best to make it when they could.

An hour later, Roy was ensconced in their usual spot nursing his second bottle. The bar they frequented was tamer than most, filled mostly with people trying to relax after long work hours. From the moment he'd arrived Maes had ambushed him with pictures and stories of his "darling daughter Elysia". Roy tried to pay attention, he really did, but the vigilante incident from before was weighing heavily on his mind. His squad had taken over the investigation after it had gone unsolved for almost a year, and he knew the Commissioner was unhappy with the lack of results. He was brought out of his reverie by Maes' observation, "Your girl isn't here tonight."

Roy turned to the small stage near the entrance to see that instead of the usual brunette, a voluptuous redhead was stepping up to the mic. He couldn't remember the brunette's name half the time, but Maes had jokingly started referring to her as "Roy's girl" because every time they came she sang in his direction. It had been disconcerting at first, not to mention annoying, but Roy had grown used to it the way you would a squeaky floorboard.

More beer and an endless flow of stories later, Roy was almost catatonic when a soft, crooning voice filled his ears and jerked him to attention.

"You trick your lovers that you're wicked and divine. You may be a sinner but your innocence is mine."

Roy all but whipped his head around to see that the source of the bewitching voice was a young man with an acoustic guitar. Even in the dim room he could tell his blond hair was shimmery like sunlight on water. His eyes had been closed but as he reached the chorus he opened them, leaving Roy breathless. Golden, half-lidded eyes caught the stage light.

"I'll make you feel pure. I want to exorcise the demons in your past. I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart."

"He's good isn't he?" Maes' voice was like a glass of ice water in Roy's face. He looked over to see his friend leaning sideways trying to get a good view. From a few tables over a guy said, "He can satisfy my desires anytime." producing a round of laughter from the surrounding customers. Roy felt like delivering a well-placed kick in the ass to the guy. "Let it go." Maes was studying his face in the way that made Roy feel exposed. Unwilling to be subjected one again to his friend's scrutiny he stood. "I'm going to the bathroom."

The late September air nipped at him as he let the door swing shut behind him. He'd stared into the mirror for a full five minutes wondering at his reaction before heading out the back exit. Movement to his left caught his eye making him turn defensively. Gold eyes met his. God they're even more breathtaking up close Roy thought as the blond pushed himself off the wall he'd been leaning on. He cleared his throat and Roy's attention was drawn down to his lips. I'll make you feel pure. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." He finally said and had the satisfaction of seeing the young man's lips quirk upwards.

"You're not interrupting. I just got here too. You'd think I'd be used to the dim lighting and smoke, but they still give me a headache so I foot it as soon as I can."

"Do you sing in bars often?" He said by way of conversation. The young man had a rumbly voice that Roy felt in the pit of his stomach. The irresistible urge to keep him talking took over him.

"It's been a couple of years since I started." Roy delivered a silencing smack to the law enforcing side of his mind that made him question if the young man was of legal age to enter the bar. Now that he had a closer look at him he noted that the blond looked no older than 18. "Names Edward Elric."

"Lieu-Roy Mustang." He extended his hand half expecting Edward to shy away from the gesture but he shook it good naturedly and it didn't escape his notice that it was firm and cold even through the glove.

"Roy we should lea-"Maes came barreling through the exit, eyes immediately zoning to their connected hands. Roy sheepishly cleared his throat and retracted his taking a step back. Sometime during their short exchange he'd gotten closer to Edward.

"I've, uh, got to get back. I'm supposed to do a few more songs before I can call it a night. It was nice meeting you." And just like that he was gone leaving Roy adamantly refusing to be disappointed for not being able to stick around for the remaining songs. No, no matter how entrancing his voice was he was not going to be interested in him.

"Let's go." He said leading Maes down the alley towards the car.