Disclaimer: I don't own FMA the cow does, bow to the cow she is all powerful. FMA is the property of Arakawa-sama and not I. I make no money writing this I am merely borrowing the characters for creative purposes.

A/N: This story is written in a different way from my usual and while I was going to wait until I finished it to post it but changed my mind. Hope it's enjoyable.

Title: Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
Pairing: Roy/Ed
Genre: Drama, Action Adventure
Series: FMA
Rating: MA, NC-17 (overall)
Status: Work In Progress

Summary: Who knew he could have a chance at this, that he could actually achieve happiness? Roy/Ed

Chapter One

That his day was just as boring as the next would be a mistaken thought, though the usually endless paperwork still appeared on his desk promptly delivered to him by the now Captain Havoc, when he wasn't otherwise running other errands. It was bit irritating that Hawkeye felt the need to train Havoc in how to 'deal with him' as Jean had so eloquently put it. Breda of course had to join in the jibes directed his way and the insults, it was as though the two had decided that in Fullmetal's absence that they should make up for his expected attitude.

Although Ed had him well trained on keeping his temper in check and the two paled in comparison to Elric's taunts, jibes, and all around volatile temperament. But that made his mind wander, as it often did when that particular blond came to mind. There were noticeable changes in his behavior even before his two year, diplomatic assignment that was originally only supposed to be six months. For instance, that temper they all expected was better controlled, sometimes it was barely present at all and that put all of them at unease. Then there was the distance, sure Fullmetal had never been very open or trusting or even friendly really but now there was an entire city block between him and everyone.

He wouldn't give details, he didn't express emotion other than annoyance or anger and those were muted in themselves. He had engaged in social activities often enough but he had found through his men that the young officer was even more tightly lipped under the influence of alcohol. His contract had been reactivated and then Fullmetal had requested that it be renewed for the minimum of a year and now it was renewed once more but the minimum was for five years with a consecutive renewal, mostly that was by the request of the Fuhrer himself, which had Mustang feeling twice surprised that Edward had accepted considering his views on the military.

Then there was that shady and redundant report he gave as to where he was for those two years he seemed to have vanished off the face of the Earth. He stated he was in a country on the other side of Drachma. That made logical sense considering that it was General Olivia Armstrongs' company that had sent word that Fullmetal was alive and presently at their base. While Fullmetal had indeed been interrogated by those in Intelligence to ensure he was still loyal to Amestrius and had not given any information away the higher ups seemed disinterested in knowing what the esteemed state alchemist had been through while away.

General Armstrong had given him a brief summary of what she believed his now ex-subordinate had been through. The good General spent a good amount of time between Central and Drachma; she was in charge of a lot of logistics and legalities in Amestrius now and coincided with Parliament. It was a bit annoying that she outranked him though they were called the same but he was only promoted once to Brigadier General and she was what most in the military referred to as a 'True General' which in turn was one rank below the rank of Fuhrership.

The military was slowly and carefully losing their power over the citizens through her influence and the trust the council and parliament as well as the Fuhrer placed in her. He still didn't get along with her well but he was grateful for her influence in the ruling of what to do with Edward. It seemed that she was able to provide evidence of what had gone on during the 'Promised Day' and that resulted in his team as well as the returned and recovered Fullmetal Alchemist to receive recognition for their efforts, promotions, medals, and a good amount of supporters within the public and the military itself.

It wasn't entirely smooth sailing however; there were still those that despised him and his team because of their climb in the ranks and their influence and power. Of course Olivia had not done all she had for nothing, when she requested that the now low ranking General send Fullmetal to Xing and that no one else would suffice he could not refuse regardless of how much he would wish to. Through the military's eyes arguing with the request would be ignorant as his subordinate had been given more than enough time to recover; one year and four months was actually very lenient to them. There was also the fact that the "People's Alchemist" was the best candidate for the assignment considering his familiarity with the Prince and one could hope his maturity would also mean he had more tact and much better self control right?

Wrong, when would he learn that while Edward might have grown up and changed he was still the Fullmetal Alchemist and thus a magnet for trouble and often wreaked havoc wherever he went? Within the first two weeks he received damage reports and they just continued on until the last few months before he received word that Fullmetal was finally coming home. Now why did he just think that, it wasn't a grand idea to assume that Edward Elric considered Central home, surely either Rush Valley or Resembool, wherever his family happened to be was where he considered his home to be. But the eldest Elric had also chosen to return to Central on his own instead of remaining with his brother and sister-in-law where he could have led a peaceful life.

Mustang let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair tiredly looking up just as a knock sounded on his door. He told whoever it was to enter and was pleased to see Havoc escorting Alphonse, Anna, and the now Mrs. Elric. He stood and offered a smile to which Al gave him a bright smile and Anna leaped from her mothers' arms and ran across the room towards him in what he noticed was a very steady run. He stepped around his desk just in time to catch a giggling bundle of a two year old. The three were dressed

"Uncle Roy," she said in greeting, Ed wasn't going to like such a title being given to him upon his return. He had yet to see his niece in person and that would be more than enough should he hear his niece calling Mustang Uncle. Mustang kissed her forehead and set her down where Winry immediately grabbed her and carried her over to the ever present couch in his office. Havoc was watching all of this with a smirk from the doorway. Mustang nodded to him to which he turned and left closing the door behind him and Al remained standing until he was asked to have a seat.

"It's good to see the three of you; I hope things have been well. Did you get plenty of rest after your traveling?" He had asked the question merely because he was certain that Edward wouldn't take too kindly to seeing his brother or best friend and niece worn out because they wished to see him. That young man was often a contradiction in that he did not want others to push themselves too hard for his sake but he often did so for everyone else.

Al nodded with an all too knowing smile and beat Winry to speaking up about just that, "You shouldn't have gone to all that trouble General, we could have stayed at a hotel and gotten a cab."

Mustang dismissed that easily with his seemingly rehearsed excuse, "Your brother would not have been pleased to hear that his family was not well taken care of when he knows full well it is within my power to do so. It is truly a pleasure to assist in any way I can, after all Alphonse, I do consider you as much a part of this family as your brother."

Al gave a light blush even though Mustang had said this on countless accounts and Winry gave a bright smile and said politely, "Well thank you General, your generosity is appreciated."

"You're more than welcome; please let me know if you are in need of anything else while you're in Central. Fullmetal should be arriving in Central by tomorrow morning. He was kind enough to leave a message with General Holigan on his traveling progress."

Al nodded with a smile that he truly felt, "Thank you General."

Mustang gave a brief nod, "I'm not the one to tell you of what your brother was up to there even though I received copies of the damage reports-"

There was a loud, firm knock on the door and everyone froze for a moment before Mustang said enters in his calm commanding voice. He got to his feet at the sight of General Holigan who looked a bit flushed and possibly irritated or angry. The General stood at five feet eleven inches, was stocky with broad shoulders and a round stomach that often made people underestimate the man. His glasses always seemed to highlight his small green eyes and the sharp intelligence there often reminded Mustang of his old friend. He made his way to stand before Mustang's desk with a thick report in his hands and a furrowed brow.

"You're ex-subordinate is quite the handful Mustang."

"It's great to see you as well General Holigan."

The General smirked and nodded a short greeting to Al, Winry, and then a soft smile to Anna which eased the tension in the room a bit. The General turned an irritated look to Mustang as he set the report on his desk, "The very last damage report from Lieutenant Colonel Elric. I knew he was a lose cannon but this is absurd. I also received a lengthy letter from Prince Ling explaining the situation that resulted in such destruction."

Mustang nodded and thumbed through the report, it seemed that regardless of how much Edward had grown he was still just as reckless at times as he always was. "I apologize General but I'm sure you were aware of-"

"Don't talk politics with me Mustang; I was well aware of how reckless Fullmetal can be. But this is making me rethink my decision to not have him go through the mandatory training of everyone enlisted, especially considering that he is of age to do so now. The letter that followed this report made me further considers it just so that such training could provide something for the Lieutenant Colonel to fall back on should such events arise during a mission again."

"Such events?"

"I believe there was a momentary reunion with some of those he met beyond Drachma; I was told that Prince Ling himself dealt with them accordingly despite the Lieutenant Colonels' protests."

Mustang did look at the General directly then and could feel the weight of Al and Winry's stares. The General did not look away and reached to tap his finger against the report, "I would appreciate his old commanding officer giving me his thoughts on this report and a professional opinion. I wish to leave Fullmetal to your care until you can provide a bit of advice on how to deal with this situation."

"Yes sir," Mustang said and made to stand and salute but the General waved him off and turned to leave. He gave a true greeting to Al, Winry, and Anna and then he was gone. Mustang ran a hand through his hair and muttered something Al thought sounded like, 'Irritating brat,' under his breath. Al smirked, he couldn't help it, it felt like the Edward returning to them might actually result in truly having him back.

Such thoughts in turn brought him back to the unsettling feeling of the changes in his brother that were inevitable. He knew he shouldn't worry that he and Ed weren't going to be close much like he would never, ever, no matter what, doubt how much his brother loved him but he still pined regardless. There was of course the distance and Ed's choice to renew and then extend his contract with the military after all those years of saying nothing but how he wanted to be rid of it and all that true enlistment entailed. Then there was what the General had just said and that brought on an entire horde of different, scurrying, worrying thoughts.

A reunion? With those Ed had met while in Rousia because he had pried that much out of Mustang at least since Ed wouldn't say more than he was sorry it took him so long to get back. Prince Ling had taken care of them? Why had he needed to, why hadn't Ed? Better yet, the way the General had said that Ling had dealt with them he could conclude that they were put to death, what had they done to warrant such actions?

"Alphonse?"

Al blinked and looked up to see Winry and Mustang watching him with concern and Anna was watching him with her ever present curiosity. She had a bit of Ed in her with her constant curiosity and habit of trying to analyze everything around her but Winry often pointed out that she got that from Al as well. He smiled but didn't feel it lost in the whirling thoughts, "Sorry, I just-was thinking, sorry."

Mustang nodded with a knowing look in his eyes that told Al that Mustang was probably thinking about the many things the General's words implied and he did have that damage report and copies of others as well as Ed's other reports on his mind as well. Al had inquired and Mustang had delivered when asked about Ed's well being but there were still things that no one but Ed could tell them about when it came to what was going on with Ed. Al was patient but he was losing his patience and wanted his brother back.

"It seems Fullmetal fell into a bit of his old ways even if it was justified and he had a bit of assistance in the destruction thanks to the ever exuberant and lively Prince. But from what I've seen Edward was not harmed and should be returning to us safe and unharmed."

Al nodded once more, "Thank you. Um . . . what can you tell us exactly?"

"That your brother has been very active in Xing in many ways. Perhaps we could catch up at dinner tonight, we could visit with Gracia and Elysia for a bit, I owe them a visit at least once a week after all."

Al smiled and truly felt the smile warm him right through this time and saw those smiles reflected back at him from Winry and Anna, "That is a wonderful idea. We should probably get going then; we have a bit of shopping to get done and should call Miss Gracia-"

Mustang waved his hand, "No, that's alright Alphonse. I can alert Gracia to the addition to her dinner quests, she was expectant of you and your family visiting. Edward will of course have to make plans to have dinner with her upon his return and he very well owes a few others some catching up as well."

Winry spoke up as well, "That he does, thank you for everything General."

Al stood after Winry got to her feet with her arms full of Anna, "We'll see you tonight General try not to work too hard."

Mustang gave a soft smile, "Of course, do enjoy your time shopping."

Gracia and Elysia were absolutely thrilled to have not only Uncle Roy but Sister Winry and Al and Anna there to join them for dinner. Gracia had made an apple pie for the occasion, Roy having called her to tell her of the extra quests shortly after Al and his wife and daughter had left his office. It was a joyful, carefree dinner and Gracia insisted that Al and Winry stay with her for the night, mostly because Elysia was thrilled to have Anna for company despite the eight year difference in their ages. Winry didn't have the heart to deny either of the girls anymore than she could deny Gracia the company.

Gracia had a bit of grey hair showing in her bangs and that reminded them all of just how hard it must be to raise her daughter after losing her husband and how big her heart was for all of them. Al and Winry had taken to putting the girls to bed when yawns started to emit from both of them having run around playing after dinner. Elysia had school the next day and Anna was too young to start yet or be up very late. Mustang had work the next day and Ed would be arriving in the early morning hours as well.

But thoughts on Ed had Al, Gracia, Winry, and Mustang staying up in the living room drinking tea Winry had insisted on preparing herself. Apparently growing up with Ed and Al had rubbed off on her and she wanted to repay Gracia for dinner and desert as well as her hospitality. Mustang had already told everyone of Ed's report on his two years spent away from them with everyone worrying and thinking the worst. Now they were discussing what he knew of the last two years Ed had spent in Xing.

Ed had chased down alchemists and chimeras and shut down labs and dealt with politicians and become a personal guard to some said politicians at times and then to Prince Ling himself for the remainder of his time in Xing. He was revered as a hero much as he was here in Amestrius and got along well with the populace and surprisingly enough even the diplomats enjoyed the Fullmetal Alchemists' company. That alone spoke volumes of how much Ed had changed and matured. Gracia seemed to have the same mixed feelings about that as everyone else.

Other than the facts Mustang knew next to nothing other than the tally of damage reports and medical bills sent to Central to regulate. The Emperor himself, a new emperor now that the previous one had passed away who was much younger and possibly only five or so years older than Mustang himself, had decreed to pay parts of the expenses considering that Ed was hurt or damage was done in the name of protecting his country and his people.

Left with no more than that they settled into a silence and Mustang declared that it was time he was going but Al had stopped him as Gracia and Winry headed upstairs to get ready for bed and check on the girls. Al was silent a moment before he asked, "Earlier you said that Ed owed others some catching up, it was obvious he should be polite enough to spend a bit of time with us and all but were you implying anyone else?"

"Astute as usual Alphonse. As we both know, Edward often leaves an impression and his colleagues grow attached to him given they've spent enough time around him to get around his brashness."

Al nodded with a soft almost reminiscent smile as Mustang continued. "He has quite a bit of friends in the military and of course Hawkeye is among them and we both know she will no more take no for an answer than Gracia will. It's merely a matter of concern. When you and I and Miss Winry moved in very quickly to try and find out anything everyone else just waited patiently and will be rising to the occasion this time around."

Al nodded once more, there were things he had noticed about his brothers' interaction with everyone after that day and it was further noticed in the times he'd seen Ed before he'd left for Xing. He wondered how his brother would handle that when he came home.

"I wonder where brother considers home to be," Al mused quietly aloud. Mustang often thought that himself but felt it in an entirely different way.

"I would wager that Edward makes his home where his family and friends are rather than a specific location," even if he wished Ed would just stay where everyone could reach him instead of leaving them here waiting for him to return to them.

"Sorry to have kept you General," Al stood and Mustang followed his example. They shook hands, Al a bit hesitant to do so but then grinned and they bid one another good night with the promise to see one another again. Mustang told Al that Ed was expected to report to H.Q. first thing in the morning and he would send Havoc to collect them to go and retrieve Ed in the morning and then Ed should be receiving a few days leave to rest after that. Al thanked him, walked him to the door, saw him off and then locked the house up and tidied up before heading upstairs for the night. The only reason he was able to sleep at all was out of pure exhaustion and because Winry had told him simply, "Sleep."

After thought: This is rather short in comparison to the chapters of any story I have previously written. However, the good news is Ed's PoV next chapter and well Ed is back so yeah. Thanks for reading.