And so I bring you chapter two. As if it was bleeding obvious, I'm having tons of trouble actually thinking of chapter titles, so screw it. X( Frustrating? You bet.

Regardless of my lack of creativity, I'd just like to say that there is some time overlap in my chapters. IE: While Envy was doing one thing in the last chapter, Ed would have been doing something else. And that something else is then covered in the next chapter - as I switch perspectives from one chapter to the next. I know that seems mildly obvious, and I don't doubt that many of you - if not all of you - could have figured it out on your own. But SOME people here where I live read it and couldn't understand how one chapter related to the next. Damned ignorance.

Ok, now that that's cleared up, enjoy! And do forgive the vulgarity of the language...it's reflective of temperment.

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Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, stared blankly at his ceiling. It had been almost two weeks now since he'd had an official order from Mustang, and well over that since he'd had to deal with those damned homunculi. It was slightly unnerving, but he wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He'd take the down time where he could get it.

His brother, Alphonse, had taken the time to run back to Resembool. It was probably the first time since they'd started their journey that Al had traveled on his own willingly. Ed hadn't liked the idea, but he'd given in, as Al was insistent that Ed stay behind in case of military duties. Yeah, like the alchemist was looking forward to those. He really could have done with a vacation.

And so, staring at the plain, white, ceiling had become one of Ed's constant pastimes. If he wasn't doing that, he could often be found at the Central military library or one of Central's many restaurants. But aside from that, he was usually confined in his dorm room, watching the fan spin lazily, circulating the air. The subtle squeaking that had once served as irritation was now merely routine; simple noise that faded into nonexistence should one so desire. He also found he was getting more sleep, which was more than he could usually ask for.

Aside from all of this - and as much as Ed was liking his time off - he couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't like the homunculi to be so inactive for so long. And it wasn't much like Mustang to leave Ed unperturbed for so long. No doubt both parties were up to something; the problem being, what? Roy was probably just hoarding work, waiting for Ed to fall into a false sense of security before dumping it all on the young man. That one was annoying, but predictable. It was the homunculi that frightened the alchemist.

Each and every one of them had a part to play in their master's sick game of manipulation. The only homunculus he'd come across that hadn't been part of it all, had been Greed. And he'd given Ed the key to destroying the rest of them. Yet, after his encounter with Greed, he hadn't heard nor seen so much as a remote trace of the others. It was as if they feared him. But he knew that wasn't right. He remembered all too well the pain Envy had callously inflicted on him at Laboratory 5. Not to mention the horrors he'd suffered with Wrath. And Lust certainly seemed too intelligent to fall back simply due to Ed's accidental victory over Greed. It had seemed like the others were out to destroy Greed anyway - not that they could have.

Yes, as time wore one, Ed grew more and more concerned about the lack of homunculi sightings. The military knew full well that Ed had the best handle on them, not that many military personnel knew they existed at all. However, those who did knew that they had to come to Ed if anything that seemed even remotely related to homunculus activity arose. And yet, there'd been nothing.

Pulling himself off of the small green couch, Ed shuffled over to the window of his room, staring out lethargically. His large golden eyes were searching for nothing in particular, just some sort of stimulation. He could find nothing. The sky was beginning to highlight itself with the coming evening, the descending sun bleeding the horizon brilliant reds and oranges. Soon a violet twilight would descend, only to be replaced with the calming blackness that was the night. And once again, Ed would wander over to his bed, fall lazily upon it, and sleep. It was all so tedious, he caught himself hoping for a distraction.

"No," Ed scolded himself, "Don't even tempt fate. The last thing I need right now is a homunculus showing up outside my window."

The alchemist sighed heavily and pulled his curtains shut, paranoia having gotten the best of him. As long as he didn't see them, they couldn't see him, right? Yeah, sure; like that had ever worked before. They knew of him and his potential long before he'd even known a homunculus was a possibility, much less that they were hunting him. If they wanted to find him, a set of cotton drapes wasn't about to stop them. And it didn't help that one of them could assume any form. For all he knew, he'd been speaking to Envy every time he'd stopped to chat in Central's headquarters' halls. No, that wasn't true. He'd learned to identify the shape shifter. He wasn't sure how, but there was always something in the sin's presence that gave Ed chills. But then, maybe, Envy and the others had caught on, and had rectified the problem. Damn it! He needed to stop thinking about the damned homunculi. They were ruining a perfectly placid evening without even being there.

Ed threw himself onto his bed, burying his face into his pillow, content to call it an early night. And then the knock came at the door. Cursing under his breath, Ed rolled over and got to his feet once again, heavy boots thumping none too gracefully on the wooden floor as the teenager made his way to his door. He pulled it open impatiently, swearing inwardly at how much fate hated him.

Major Armstrong stood towering over the younger blond. "Major Elric," he saluted, face a perfect mask of military discipline - regardless of how comical the major looked anyway, "I received a report earlier today that you may find interesting."

Rubbing his forehead, Ed forced himself to respond decently. "Yes, major, what is it?"

"A local psychiatrist phoned in an odd complaint to the police today, reporting one of his clients for harassment and possible violent intentions."

Ed frowned. This didn't make any sense. Why was Armstrong reporting to him about a shrink's issues? And wasn't this sort of thing strictly police business? Since when did the military get involved in stuff like this?

Armstrong continued, prodded by Edward's lack of response, "I felt this would interest you, as the client he reported was one 'Mr. Envy'."

"WHAT?!" All color had drained from Ed's face. Envy?! What the hell?! Why was he at the psychiatrist's? What had the man ever done to the homunculi?! Wait; Armstrong had said the man had reported a 'client'. Envy was seeing a shrink? Maybe the others had finally realized the shape shifter was completely out of his mind.

"We have no definitive proof that the client is a homunculus. It could merely be someone using an alias so as not to be discovered. But I thought the matter should be brought to your attention." Armstrong was still talking, his tone still grave, as well it should be. The homunculi didn't do anything without some ulterior motive behind it, so what did this get them? What were they trying to gain?

Ed gathered his thoughts as best he could. "Ok…how many other people know about this?" he asked.

"Just the police," the major replied, "I thought I'd report this to you first…after what happened at the Laboratory."

Waving the cautious comment off, Ed continued to think hard. There had to be some way to find out if it really was - not that there was much doubt in the young man's mind - Envy. And if he'd been alone. "Where is the psychiatrist now?" Ed requested quickly.

Armstrong paused, thinking for a moment. "He's at home, I believe. We should be able to contact the police for his location."

"Good," Ed nodded absently, "I'd like to speak with him. Could you set up an appointment for me?"

The large man saluted, gave his affirmation, and took his leave, no doubt off to follow Ed's order as quickly as possible. Ed sighed. Great. He'd asked, and now he'd received. He could only hope it wasn't really the homunculi; that it was just some crazed freak with a sin fetish. Yeah, right, like that was going to happen.

Twenty minutes passed with Ed pacing relentlessly in his room. He was growing more and more nervous by the second. And then Armstrong returned, bringing with him the news that the psychiatrist was more than willing to speak with military personnel. Ed heaved a sigh of relief. At least this part was going smoothly enough.

"Alright then," Ed smiled sarcastically, "Let's go have us an interrogation."

It took less than the time Ed waited to arrive at the man's house. It was a fairly large place, considering it only housed one human being, and Ed was impressed by the amount of money the man must have made. But now was not the time for that. Motioning for Armstrong to stay behind with the car, Ed made his way up to the large wooden door and knocked politely.

Eventually, the door cracked open, a meek and plain looking man peering at Ed through the narrow opening. "Are you with the military?" the man asked quietly.

Ed flipped out his pocket watch. "I'm the Fullmetal Alchemist. I'd like to speak with you about the report you filed earlier today."

The man pulled the door open and invited Edward in happily, his frightened demeanor fading fast. "I'm so glad you could come," he smiled, "I was afraid no one was going to do anything."

"You've never had a patient like this before?" Ed asked casually.

"No," the psychiatrist answered with an insistent shaking of his head, "I've had patients get mad before, yes, but never had I seen one look like that. I honestly felt that he was going to kill me; if not there, then later."

This was sounding very bad. Ed knew that look, knew how well Envy could portray it. It was certainly not something any average person could deal with easily. The alchemist was lead to the sitting room, and asked to take a seat. Ed did so, settling on one of the large couches. There were questions he had to ask to be able to properly verify the identity of the 'client'. That didn't mean he wanted to.

The man remained standing for a moment, his manners dictating him to ask, "Would you like something to drink Mister…?"

Ed waved a dismissive hand. "It's Elric. And no thank you."

The psychiatrist paled. "Elric?" he asked tentatively, "As in, Edward Elric?"

Frowning, Ed muttered, "Yes, that's me. Why?" He didn't like how the man was staring at him. The otherwise plain face held frightened recognition, although the doctor clearly hadn't known Ed when he'd let him in. Why did his name strike the man so?

"So then…you know the patient…"

Shit. This definitely wasn't good. If this patient had mentioned Ed, there was next to no doubt that it really had been Envy. But then…had the homunculus actually been there for a psychiatric evaluation? Why?

Slumping back into a large armchair, the man sighed shakily. His hands trembled where they rested in his lap, his eyes suddenly tired. Ed couldn't help but be concerned. Just what had been said?

"Sir, if I may ask you a few questions…?" Ed had never really interrogated anyone before, and he wasn't quite sure where to start.

"Go ahead," the man muttered.

Clearing his throat, Ed started, "I'd like you to describe your patient for me. He may be…known to the military."

The doctor nodded slowly. "Yes, his description. He was an odd one; I'd never seen a patient quite like him. Flamboyant black-green hair, a skirt, a midriff, piercing violet eyes, and a vicious temper. He was not a pleasant fellow."

Yeah, it was Envy. Just fucking wonderful. Ed's mood had officially gone down the tubes. This was not what he wanted to deal with. "Was he alone?" Ed continued, forcing himself not to get up and scream about his lack of luck.

"No," the man answered, "He had a lady friend. A very pretty one. But she was cold, distant. She had the same eyes as he did, and long black hair, and a very well endowed figure."

Lust, he should have known. Wherever there was Envy, there was Lust. The two deadliest homunculi he'd ever had to deal with. And it just so happened they were partners. Biting back his flaring temper, Ed pressed, "Was that all of them?"

"The only ones who came to my office."

"What did they want?" Ah, the imperative question. Perhaps this would give Ed some kind of edge.

The man frowned slightly. "They were there for his appointment. She'd scheduled it the day before, giving me a list of information and questions that would help him discover his problem."

Ok, this was no longer making any sense, not that it made very much to begin with. Lust had scheduled an actual psychiatric appointment for Envy to actually try and fix one of his many problems. And Ed had come up. This wasn't sounding normal, by homunculus standards that is.

"Do you have the records of today's appointment?" Ed queried, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Of course I do," the psychiatrist answered, getting to his feet. "I assume you'd like to see them."

Ed wasn't exactly sure. But he knew, for investigative purposes - and possibly future survival tactics - Ed would need the records. The alchemist nodded, affirming the man's question. It took very little time for the psychiatrist to disappear and then return with a handful of papers.

Handing the bundle over to Ed, he explained, "On top there is what she told me as she was making the appointment. It includes her brief explanation of the problem to be assessed, his name, his appearance, his usual temperaments, and some words that may prove useful in evaluation. The next two pages consist of my interpretations to the questions I asked, which are written above the interpretation. Also, if you'd like, I have a recording of his actual verbal answers."

Ed flipped through the pages, noting everything as he listed it. Sure enough, everything the man described was there. All except the verbal answers. Looking up at the man, Ed replied, "I would like to have the recording. It could prove useful." That was an understatement. If Ed could get any angle or insight into how Envy's mind worked, there'd be a hell of a lot less work when it came down to kicking the bastard's ass.

Once again, the doctor rose to his feet, shuffled off deeper into the house, and returned quickly, a small cassette in his hand. His efficiency prevented Ed from actually reading any of the actual information on the papers. "Here you are," he beamed, handing Ed the tape, "But it might interest you to know, the woman who was with my client also has copies of everything you now have. She seemed to want to review it."

"Isn't there some sort of client confidentiality in what you do?" Ed asked. He understood why he could get it; he represented the military. But Lust? Wasn't she just another civilian to this guy?

"Ah, yes," the psychiatrist mumbled, "Usually. But in his case, I was concerned for the health and safety of others. She seemed convinced she could…correct him if she had the proper information."

So it was Lust's idea. But what was she trying to fix? Whatever it was, it was documented in the papers in Ed's hands. He'd solve this mystery yet.

Nodding gratefully, Ed got to his feet. "Thank you for your time," the alchemist smiled, "This will help quite a bit. And don't worry. By the sounds of it, you're in no danger."

The doctor got to his feet as well in a show of respect for Ed. "You're very welcome Mr. Elric. But may I say something?"

Ed had been ready to leave when the question had been posed. Frowning slightly, Ed answered, "Yeah, go for it."

"I think it may be you who is in danger."

"I'm…sorry?" The color had drained from Edward's face once again. Just what was this guy implying?

The shrink shook his head. "Just be careful with this man. You have all the information there, so there's no need in my saying any more."

Ed stared in shock for a moment before nodding briefly and muttering more thanks. Suddenly, the whole thing had gone from confusing to creepy. Tucking the papers into his coat, Ed saw himself out and made his way over to the waiting car.

"Did everything go well, Major Elric?" Armstrong inquired, habitual salute in place.

Ed barely heard the question. "Huh? Yeah…it was…great."

The large man didn't seem convinced, but gave no further questions. Instead, he loaded himself into the car, waited for Ed to take his seat, and drove off. When they arrived at Central headquarters once again, Armstrong asked one final uncertainty. "Will you need assistance with anything?"

Ed smiled weakly at the other alchemist. "No, I'll be fine," he assured, "I just have some papers to look over." The two then parted ways, both heading for their respective rooms.

Once Ed was situated in his own room, he laid out the respective paperwork in the order it had been given to him. He then called down to the supply room and asked for a cassette player to be brought to his room. Yes, he knew they were fairly new inventions. Yes, he knew they were expensive. Yes, it was important. Having dealt with the less than willing lieutenant on the other end of the phone, Ed set to reading Lust's initial report to the psychiatrist. Obsessive, fellow human being - fellow? - , possibly destructive, personally unaware. Huh…generic enough. No names or specifics given. Skip the descriptions; on to the list of useful words. Elric - odd, but somewhat logical - , Dante - wasn't that the old lady Greed killed? What did she have to do with anything? - , homunculus - obvious - , Hohenheim - Ed's skin crawled - , and…Edward?! What? Why was his name there?

Taking a deep breath, Ed muttered to himself, "No, stop, there's no need to panic. You remember how Envy treated you; how he spat your name. It's probably only there because of his anger issues. That's no doubt why Lust sent him there. Calm down…" Consoling his nerves, Ed looked over the first sheet one more time.

Then the knock at the door came, signifying the arrival of his cassette player. Finally. Now he could get somewhere. The alchemist opened the door and took the machine from the reluctant lieutenant. He promised to return it before morning and shut the door. After all, he wouldn't need it for very long.

Ed set the machine up on the desk, plugging it in to the extra outlet that wasn't occupied by his lamp. His system was simple, and effective. The recording no doubt contained the whole session, questions included. Therefore, Ed would play a question and its answer, stop the tape, read the interpretation, and move on to the next. This way, he concluded, was the fastest way to get through all the information without skipping anything. And so he began.

The session began fairly casually, Envy's usually snide voice coming through as almost civil as he greeted the doctor and apologized for arriving late. However, the gracious tone was soon lost, as it seemed Envy wanted to begin as quickly as possible. The doctor went on to question if Envy knew the reason he was there, and, when the homunculus responded negatively, continued to explain what Lust had told him. Envy denied the alleged problems, and then was told to answer instinctively. Finally, questions were going to commence.

First word; Elric. Interesting, but expected response. Ed hadn't thought Envy would exactly say anything nice. So far, he was learning nothing. The next one though - Dante - that would prove interesting. However, keeping with his system, Ed paused the tape after Envy's response to 'Elric', and read the psychiatrist's interpretation. Nothing special there. On to word number two. This one surprised the young alchemist. Listen to her? Once again, Ed paused the tape and read the interpretation. 'Inferiority complex, difficulty with authority but need for structure.' So…what? This 'Dante' person was their master, Envy listened unwillingly, but refused to leave due to necessity? Whatever. Might as well continue. The next two were more stereotypical, expected responses, and the interpretations held nothing worth noting - aside from the remark that the patient seems 'delusional' about their species. Now for 'Edward'. The alchemist's finger hesitated at the play button, afraid to know what was going to be said.

"Oh please, please, be another boring answer," Ed pleaded to the mechanical device in front of him as he extended his arm to press the button.

Once again, the voices came to life. "So then, just what does the name 'Edward' hold for you?" The doctor's voice, asking the question Ed wished hadn't been said.Now for Envy's response. "Brat. Spoiled, but necessary. And adorable, really." Adorable?! What the hell?! In his shock and mild embarrassment, Ed almost forgot the stop the tape. It was only the doctor's hollow voice starting once again that jarred the alchemist back to reality. Hastily clicking the button, Ed leaned back in his chair, jaw slack and mind racing. Envy thought he was…adorable? What kind of shit was this?! The bastard was lying! He had to have been!! Ed quickly looked over the doctor's interpretation. Must find source for fascination with this Edward. Could prove to be the central source of described problem.

Ed couldn't believe his eyes. He was the reason Lust sent Envy to the shrink?! No! That couldn't be it! That didn't make sense!! The doctor had written it himself; 'could'. On to the next question. "I see. And just why do you feel that way?" That's what Ed wanted to know…"I don't know! He's…he's fun to pick on. He's easy." That sounded more like Envy. Still a little off, admittedly, but better than calling Ed 'adorable'. Again, the alchemist stopped the tape to read the doctor's writing. A sadist; beginning to see problem. Like Ed couldn't have told him that. Carrying on; "So your fascination is merely sadistic?" Um…yeah? Wasn't the guy's 'patient' making that painfully obvious? Perhaps, Ed mused, this would be the point at which Envy made himself a threat. "I wouldn't say that. I just take…odd amounts of pleasure in his pain." Bastard…

Stopping the tape, Ed leaned back in his chair. So far, he'd learned next to nothing useful. After that one misleading answer, Envy's had once again become the predictable answers. The blond debated continuing for a moment, staring from the machine to the stack of paper. Sighing, he realized he didn't have much else to do, and there could be useful information yet, although he highly doubted it. Given, Envy was being oddly cooperative. Perhaps there'd be another slip like the one about 'Dante'.

"That's the clinical definition of sadism." "Zip it, ok? That came out wrong." Envy was becoming more malicious - none too surprising. But Ed was curious to hear what Envy had meant, although fearful as well. And the doctor hadn't written anything after that little outburst, so the alchemist simply allowed the tape to continue. "So then what did you mean?" Ed found himself holding his breath, praying for another variation of Envy's twisted intents toward the alchemist. Or at least, not another answer like 'adorable'. "I don't know, ok? Maybe it's not his pain…maybe it's…his reaction." Why was Envy hesitating? He certainly hadn't had this hard a time at the lab telling Ed how much he hated him. So then, why was he having so much difficulty relaying the same message to the psychiatrist?

Again, the shrink had written only a brief sentence, something about subconscious sadism, so Ed just left the tape alone. "I'm sorry?" Good, the doctor was requesting elaboration. Maybe now Ed would get somewhere. "You know…the way he acts when he sees me, when he hears me. Just…him." Ok…this was once again sliding toward the area of 'creepy'. Ed paused the tape, this time more for himself than any actual information. He thought over everything that had been said, and realized, that he had become the main topic of the evaluation. Ed blushed in embarrassment and then cursed himself for doing so.

"Damn it, Ed, pull yourself together!" he scolded himself, "You know Envy's just a sadistic bastard who wants nothing more than to kill you. What are you so afraid of? Get through this information!"

Ed began the tape again, noting momentarily that the doctor had written a brief response along the lines of, perhaps sadism is not the problem. Yeah…right. Once again, the doctor's voice questioned Envy. "And do you have any idea where this fascination of yours comes from?" Hadn't this question been asked already? Whatever. At least now it was in a different context. There was a pause before Envy's usually confident voice came through. And this was no short change answer. "I think, it has to do with…comparison. I want him to see and realize what happened to me, so he can compare it to what's happened to him. Jealousy? Sure. No doubt that has something to do with it. The kid's got everything I could have…and don't. And yet he mopes around, as if his life has gone down the tubes. The stuck up little brat doesn't see how much he has, how much he could have lost. I mean, look at him! He's one of the military's finest, he intelligent, he's fast, he's strong for his size, he's loved by just about everyone he meets, and he's got the strongest will I've ever seen on a kid like that." Ed stopped the tape. Was Envy…complimenting him?

The alchemist shook his head. This couldn't be right! Although the explanation had begun slowly, almost hesitantly, Envy's voice had become more sure of itself as it pressed on. Which meant, what? That Envy didn't 'hate' Ed so much as 'envy' him? No! That was ridiculous! Envy said so himself; jealously had tons to do with it, meaning that it was the base for his hatred. That's all there was to it, right?

Having assured himself Envy was merely explaining his hatred, Ed allowed the tape to continue. "And even though I'm stronger than him, faster than him, smarter than him, I still have to treat him gently. I've been ordered to. I'm not allowed to kill the shrimp." That arrogant prick!! Biting back curses that would only be wasted on a machine, Ed forced himself to keep listening. "And so I take pleasure in what little I can do to him. I want to watch him writhe and suffer like the horrid little stain on my life that he is, but I can't! He won't let me!! The damn chibi has too much pride to do that; too much will power! And so I have to keep trying. I have to take different approaches. I have to…" And then it ended; Envy's rant at least. Just out of nowhere. Ed had been darkly satisfied to hear the homunculus' frustrations over Ed's stubborn demeanor, but a tad frightened by the anger portrayed in voice coming through the small speakers. It was the same anger that had poisoned Envy's voice the first time they'd met. But why did the shape shifter stop? Something must have clicked, and caused Envy to realize something. Whatever the case, Ed stopped the tape and looked over the psychiatrist's scribbled interpretation.

Obsession worse than first assumed. Jealously leading to violence. 'Envy' proving to be very fitting name. Fixation could prove dangerous to all parties involved. Underlying sadism seems to be his chosen solution. Boring enough. Although it seemed accurate as far as Ed could tell. Turning his attention back to the tape recording, Ed once again started the voices. "One final question. What if something were to happen to Edward Elric that was not inflicted nor had anything to do with you?" Thank goodness. They were almost done. Ed realized, now, that he was the problem that Lust had sent Envy to work out. Why, he still hadn't determined…or so he told himself. Envy's gradual response forced Ed to pay attention once again. "If something were to happen to chibi-chan…that had NOTHING to do with me…I think I'd freak. He's mine - my toy - and I won't let anyone else have him. Mind you, if it's someone I know, or is directly involved with me, all the power to them, but you specified otherwise. Therefore, I'd have to hunt the shit heads down and kill them. No one touches my chibi-chan." Ed choked. Envy thought Ed was his?! This examination had now not only crossed the border to creepy, but had pitched up a tent and was a permanent resident. Ed fumbled with the machine in a moment of panic and repulsion before finally clicking the button to make it stop.

He found himself trembling slightly, more than a little shocked at Envy's answer. He'd been hoping for a, "The hell I care what happens to 'chibi-chan'." or even just a, "So?". But instead, he got this frighteningly possessive answer. Since when did Envy think like that - not that Ed claimed to know how Envy thought. Taking several deep breaths, Ed turned his eyes to the pages in front of him. Passion for Edward extends mere fixation. Obsession is mixed with desire; a need to possess. Client is compensating for his lack of Edward's possessions by feeling the need to possess Edward himself. If not dealt with, could prove dangerous in future. Ed didn't like that one, not even a little. Maybe the shrink was wrong; hopefully the shrink was wrong. Ed didn't like the idea of Envy feeling the need to 'possess' him. It was bad enough knowing Envy was hunting him.

Still trembling slightly, Ed reached out to finish the recording. He was obviously close, and the sooner he got it done, the sooner he could attempt to make sense of it all. "I see," the doctor's voice said calmly, "I think I know what your problem is. This obsession of yours stems from jealously, that much is obvious. You feel that Edward has wronged you in some way by possessing that which you cannot. However, in feeding this obsession, you're growing closer to him, and becoming more possessive of him. I think that your subconscious is working in some sort of odd effort to have Edward all your own, as it believes that by owning him, you by default own that which is his; that which you feel entitled to. However, in this need to have Edward all to yourself and fill this gap you see in your life, you've become almost fixatedly attached to him. And that is where you endanger not only yourself - as this could prove to be an extremely mentally damaging compulsion - and him - as you may very well begin to cause physical pain to him - but your occupation as well - as this seems to be threatening to overwhelm your entire conscious mind." Ed didn't like it, but it was simply the longer version of what the man had written before. He'd known this would be what the shrink would say to Envy. It was how Envy would respond that Ed wasn't sure of. And that was next.

"So that's it, huh? I'm obsessed?" Typical, Envy response. The alchemist heaved a sigh of relief. Clearly, Envy didn't feel the same way the shrink did. Given, that didn't mean the 'obsession' wasn't still there, it just meant Envy wouldn't act on it. After all, one can't exactly act on something one doesn't believe exists. But the doctor persisted on convincing Envy of his problem, damned professional. "No, not quite. You already knew that, I think. What I fear you didn't realize was the extent of said obsession. You not only hate Edward, but desire him at the same time." He just had to say it, didn't he? But then, Ed hadn't heard or noticed any threatening behavior that would merit calling the police yet. Not since 'Hohenheim' had been said at least. So then, that must have been on its way. Perhaps in response to what seems like a preposterous suggestion. "Are you off your fucking rocker?! I want nothing more than to see the little twerp squirm. I don't actually want him!!" There was some openly malicious anger. But the doctor's voice remained tempered and calm. "You see? You deny the fact and hence it grows worse. You have to come to terms with this possessive desire toward Edward." There was still no indication of the psychiatrist feeling like he was in danger. And the writings had stopped. All that was left was to hear out the tape.

However, a knock at the door forced Ed to stop the recording once again and rise from his desk. As he opened the door, Ed came face-to-face with Colonel Mustang.

"Good evening, Fullmetal," Roy beamed with sarcastic joy. "I hear you borrowed some of our new equipment."

Ed frowned with unmasked hatred. "Oh did you now? Well, you must have heard wrong. Sorry Mustang." He then went to close the door, only to be stopped by one of Roy's gloved hands grabbing the door higher up.

"Where did you get a cassette, Fullmetal?" Well, those pleasantries were dropped quickly.

Raising an eyebrow, Ed retorted, "I didn't. You heard wrong."

Roy smiled again, this time with frightening hospitality. "Then you won't mind if I come in for dorm inspection." It wasn't a question, it was an order in disguise as an agreeable statement.

"Actually, I do," Ed shot back with equally forced kindness, "I'm in the middle of some paperwork, and would really appreciate it if you came back some other time. Sorry." Once again, Ed made to close the door, and, once again, Mustang prevented it.

"You don't have paperwork Fullmetal. I assign your paperwork."

Shit. He'd forgotten about that little detail. It had become almost habitual of his mind to shut out the fact that this stuck up bastard was his boss. But before he could protest Roy's entry further, the colonel let himself in, rudely pushing his way past Edward.

"Hey!" Ed snapped, "Get out! I didn't say you could come in!"

Roy picked up one of the paper's off of Ed's desk. "And I didn't say you could investigate anything," he countered.

Scoffing, Ed turned his eyes away. Roy was right. Ed wasn't actually supposed to look into anything without the colonel's permission. That didn't mean he listened to the rule, he just made a point not to get caught. Unfortunately, this time, he'd required an expensive piece of equipment; one that the lieutenant obviously felt Mustang deserved to know about should it be borrowed.

"What is all this?" Roy asked, gesturing to the mess on Edward's desk. "What are you looking into?"

The blond shook his head. "It's nothing important. Just a complaint lodged by some psychiatrist."

"Is that so?" Roy seemed unconvinced. "Then there should be no harm in…oh, I don't know, my pressing this?" And before Ed could react, the colonel had begun the tape again.

"Oh?" Envy's voice asked tensely, "And just what do you suggest I do about said 'problem'?"

Mustang frowned, obviously not familiar with the homunculus' voice. That was a relief.

The doctor's voice crackled through with the expected answer. "I suggest you confront Edward yourself and just…talk with him. You have to realize that your jealousy is unfounded. True, he may possess something you do not - and you wish you did - but you, too, must have something he doesn't. In speaking with Edward, perhaps you can help yourself focus more on what you have instead of what you don't have." Oh shit. The bastard had said his name. Now he was in for it.

Roy turned and faced Ed, a look of confusion on his face. "Why is this man making reference to you, Fullmetal?"

"Who says it's me?" Ed offered with a shrug, "I'm not the only 'Edward' in Central you know."

The colonel nodded, but rebounded, "That's true, but you're the only Edward in Central's military headquarters right now. And if it's true that this psychiatrist filed a complaint with us, and this 'Edward' is a pivotal part of the complaint, that leads me to assume it's you. Why else would the military be concerned with it?"

Ed now had two choices. Admit he was in fact the aforementioned Edward, or tell Mustang that the patient being evaluated was a homunculus. Only one chanced Roy not reading through the papers. "Ok, ok, so it's me. Are you happy now?"

Roy shook his head. "No. Why are you involved in this man's session, Fullmetal?"

"Look, can we just talk about this later? I want to get through it all."

The colonel frowned deeply and repeated his question. "Why are you mentioned in this man's session?"

Rolling his eyes, Ed lied as quickly as he could. "Ok, so I maybe…transmuted his car into a cannon before."

The colonel raised an eyebrow, turned to the cassette player, rewound the tape, and played back the doctor's last statement; the doctor's solution. "And just what, exactly, does that have to do with this solution?"

"He's an aspiring alchemist. And when he saw what I managed to transmute, and without a matrix, he kind of lost it. It wasn't really the loss of his car, so much as how he lost it."

"And so…" the colonel prodded.

Ed shrugged offhandedly. "I guess the jealousy's been getting the better of him. His family suggested he go to the psychiatrist, and we got the complaint because the shrink was worried this jealously would overcome this guy and drive him to violence or something." Ed then reached to take the papers from Mustang. "So if you'll just let me finish…"

Roy held the papers out of Ed's reach, smiling faintly at Ed's irritation. "Who reported this to you?"

"The psychiatrist," Ed answered matter-of-factly.

"So no one else is aware of this?"

Ed shook his head.

"Well then," Roy beamed, putting the papers in Ed's hands, "In that case, I expect to see your full report on this on my desk tomorrow. Good luck Fullmetal."

Stunned, Ed gaped for a moment as Mustang moved for the door. "Hold up!" Ed snapped, "Why do I have to report this to you?!"

"I'm your superior," Roy answered, mocking Ed's matter-of-fact tone. And with that, the colonel took his leave.

Ed swore angrily under his breath. God damn it! Why was this happening to him? First Envy's stupid little obsession and now this?! He had to make up a full, fake, report to put on Mustang's desk tomorrow. Like hell he was going to do that. The bastard could go without. A subtle 'click' caught Ed's attention, causing the young man took look over at the machine on his desk.

The tape had popped out, signaling the completion of its contents. Great. Now he'd have to rewind and hear what he'd missed. Sitting down and attempting to get Mustang out of his head, he did just that, rewinding the tape to the doctor's last explanation for Envy. It was once again the homunculus' turn to speak. There was a brief, tense pause before anything was said. Finally, Envy's voice spoke, heavy with sarcasm and vicious intent. "Thank you, 'doctor'. I'm so glad I could come here today. However, I have other engagements, and will now be taking my leave." There it was. Not only the end of the session, but the imminent threat. Ed could hear it in Envy's tone, could picture the shape shifter's stance and expression. No doubt a threatening move had been made.

But then the doctor's voice squeaked through again, as if talking to himself. "I fear for this man," the thin, hollow voice said quietly, "He is too proud to see this problem that could potentially destroy his life, and the life of one Edward Elric. He's a danger to himself and others, and if he doesn't come to terms with this fixation soon, I fear the worst." And then the tape popped up.

Ed stared in mild disbelief. So, in the end, the whole appointment had been for naught. Envy had failed to recognize the problem that had been assessed, and had left possibly more spiteful than before. And the doctor was convinced violence would come of it. Ed didn't doubt it; Envy had that tendency. But Ed couldn't help but wonder, how accurate was the doctor's evaluation? And if Lust had grabbed the same information Ed now possessed, just what was she planning to do with it? Why had she sent Envy to the psychiatrist in the first place?

Frustrated and confused, Ed tucked the cassette into his jacket pocket, called the supply room to pick up the machine, and piled all the papers. He needed rest. He was too tired to piece anything together yet. Maybe in the morning it would all make more sense.

To Be Continued...