Title: Sugar Coated Lies

Rating: T

Summary: Going undercover in a town is hard; being undercover in a school is even harder. How does a teen that grew up to fast deal with a family environment and school without blowing his cover?

Author Note: Thanks for the reviews! I've been updating frequently due to not having a car (because it's in the shop for the past MONTH) and having no social life (since most of my friends are back in school) so that's why your getting updates a lot faster than normal.

Also, no Ms. Sakura I meant "Transplant", used in the way of Edward is from Amerstis and moves to Agraia, knowing nothing about the culture or people. I consider myself a transplant to my area of Massachusetts. I lived in southern Mass but had to move to northern (where people are really, really strange) so, I call myself a transplant because I haven't lived here long enough for the strangeness to corrupt me.

If that makes any kind of sense… which it probably doesn't?

Chapter 4

Edward stands in the doorway of the room that was designated to become his, the box of books he'd brought dropping to the floor with a loud bang in the nearly empty space, the sound vibrating off the white walls. In the corner a bed frame sits dismantled and an older looking mattress leans beside it. For Edward this room is bigger than his assigned officer's quarters back in Central and if he wanted to think back, it's also bigger than the room he had shared with Alphonse as a kid. Moving cautiously into the bright room Edward notes the creaking of the old floorboards and the expansive space available to him. Heading to the windows Edward gazes out over a large mowed field, his view slightly obstructed by an aged tree, the massive branches casting long shadows across the slate colored roof. Gazing out the window at the vast yard Edward can't help but allow the old ache of home sickness to well up in his chest. Of all the places he'd been since joining the military, of all the adventures he and Al had taken part in, nothing compares to the place you grew up.

Edward allows himself a scornful snort, his flesh hand pressed against the cool glass, feeling the skin warming in the light of the sun. Although Edward made his choice to never look back at his former life in the small farming community, the young man finds himself doing just that at times during his travels. It is small things that will send the memories crashing onto him like waves on a cement break wall, the smell of freshly turned earth in the spring or the sight of long grasses blowing in the wind. The old tree sitting in the yard reminds him sharply of the swing he and Alphonse would spend hours play on, the laughter and colors so muted now in his memories. Through his memories of the times spent in childish bliss he can see the clothes lines, the bed linens and clothes billowing in the breeze, sharp white against the bright blue sky.

"Ed?"

The teen whirls away from the window, blinking rapidly to clear the memories as Havoc enters the room, his arms loaded down with the last of Edward's boxes.

"When we didn't see you come back down for there Hawkeye sent me up, thinking you may have gotten lost." Havoc explains cheerfully, the smoking stick of nicotine perched on his lip expertly. Edward, too shaken by the rush of emotional memories only nods and runs a hand through his short hair, swallowing quickly.

"You alright?" Havoc prods, a hint of concern to his voice. The older soldier studies his blond companion, finding the youngster nervously flicking his eyes around the room.

"Y-yeah. I'm alright. This room's just huge is all. Not use to it." He explains away and makes a move to move away but Havoc grabs the flesh arm, causing the Alchemist to pull up short, his golden eyes enraged as he turns to glare at Havoc.

"You're not acting like yourself. Even Hawkeye noticed it, you worried her a bit at the train station when the kid was badgering you." Havoc explains, watching as the golden eyes become cold and hard, like someone just blew out the fire that lurks inside them. Havoc resists the urge to shudder at the look, grateful that looks are unable to strike killing blows. The Captain had seen this look numerous times before mostly in those who suffered great losses or were forced to bear the knowledge a decision not their own, he'd seen it in his own eyes after his return from the Eastern Rebellion, but never in the eyes of someone so young as the Alchemist before him. To be honest to see the look in Edwards eyes scared the Captain and also made him sad.

"Of course I'm not acting like myself Havoc. I have to act like a moody, unhappy teenager." Edward retorts and suddenly the cold look is gone replaced now with the burning rebellion of a teenager. Havoc is speechless for a moment, unsure of how to continue the conversation but finds the stubborn look on Edward's face to be almost comical. He let's the situation drop, for now, instead opting to help the younger soldier unpack his few belongings into the large shelves and storage areas in the massive room, content with his role as a parent figure, even if it is temporary.

For Captains Hawkeye and Havoc sleeping arrangements were still needed to be made, so that night over the kitchen table the two soldiers laid out their thoughts and concerns while Edward watched, too amused by the sight to even think of eating. Hawkeye was glaring harshly over at the other Captain, while Havoc just leans back in his chair, the ever present cigarette unlit hanging from the side of his mouth.

"All I'm saying is that we should at least be in the same room, in case someone suddenly shows up." Havoc was pressing, his arms crossed over his chest, the plate of pasta forgotten on the table. Hawkeye's scowl deepens as a vein in her neck becomes more noticeable.

"I don't deny that Havoc, but we need to go over some ground rules first, before I agree to anything." She punctuates with a growl. From the floor beside Edward Hayate whimpers softly and the Alchemist tears off a hunk of garlic bread and offers it to the black dog, who happily wags his tail and takes the treat from the metal hand.

"I'm all ears, lay down your terms and I'll lay down mine." Havoc says sassily, raising his eyebrows in a mocking way. Hawkeye's grip on the metal fork tightens, her knuckles turning white. Edward was impressed at Hawkeye's patience; if he was in her place he'd of cold cocked the other man already.

"First, separate beds." Hawkeye states. Edward's eyes move to watch Havoc.

A nod of agreement, Hawkeye sighs at the small victory.

"A bathroom rotation schedule needs to be set up." Havoc cocks and eyebrow for a moment, thinking over the term before nodding.

"Underclothes are required at all times. That includes sleeping." Havoc's shocked expression. Edward snickers into his glass of wine, the only liquor beverage Hawkeye would allow him even though the Alchemist had been attending the 'Friday night drink fest' with the other members of Mustang's crew since he was fifteen and a half.

"Knocking is a must." Hawkeye continues, already figuring her previous request would be obeyed. Jean nods hurriedly, tapping his ash out into the ashtray near his plate. Hawkeye curls her lip in disgust before fixing her companion with a fierce glare.

"Also, there will be no smoking in the bedroom." Edward bursts out laughing at the shocked and horrified look on the other man's face, even Hayate seems to be laughing at the Captain's shock.

"I believe you had several terms you would like to lay out Captain Havoc." Hawkeye asks, picking up a few vegetables on her fork and smartly pulls them off her fork, watching her companion.

"Uh… no girly smelling junk." Havoc tries, finding himself stammering. Hawkeye shoots him a look but nods.

"Leave my side of the room to me. No saying how it looks." He continues, stabbing at his pork hunk with his own fork, growing determined. Hawkeye cocks and eyebrow but doesn't say anything.

"And… um.. no bitching about my snoring." He finishes, tearing the hunk of meat off his fork. Hawkeye pushes the peas around on her plate before nodding.

"Alright, I agree to these terms." She holds out her gun calloused hand and Havoc takes it warmly. Edward rolls his eyes and pushes his chair away from the table, the napkin that had been on his lap falling onto the table.

"We're not done Edward. You, also have some terms to agree too." Havoc states before taking a sip from his own wine glass. Edward blinks for a moment before narrowing his eyes. He knew and understood how real they had to make this act seem to not catch the attention of those in the town but to give him rules is going too far. He's seventeen years old and been out of his own for a number of years. Edward feels the anger coiling in his stomach and is about to shout at the Captain when Hawkeye's sharp order has the younger man sitting down again in his seat, not wanting to make the sharpshooter angry.

"Ed, you know the importance of this mission and I don't think I have to tell you the success of it depends on how well we can play this. But, we're also going to treat you like the adult you are. Hawkeye and I decided to take a page out of your own book, Equivalent Exchange, how about we talk about this and work out the matters." Havoc insists, his cigarette finally burnt to the filter and deposited in the ash tray. Edward takes a deep breath and glares stonily ahead, Havoc taking this as a signal to continue clears his throat.

"Alright, well first, you have to try and act like you respect us." Havoc says after a few minutes of fumbling around his words.

"In return, I get to treat you like equals inside this house, unless there are guests of the mark type present." Edward stabs back with and the two captains exchange a look before nodding.

"Fair enough, second, you're not allowed to make split second decisions without discussing it with us first." Hawkeye states and Edward cocks an eyebrow before reaching out to rub the table clothe between his flesh fingers.

"And no hiding stuff from us. We're a team here Edward." Havoc points out and Edward tries to resist looking sheepish, not realizing his thoughts had been that transparent.

"Any information you come up with will also have to be shared. Regardless of how asinine it is." Edward dictates, drumming his metal fingers on the table top. The two captains agree.

"You have a curfew." Havoc starts but stops when the vein in Edward's forehead suddenly becomes visible, throbbing.

"What? I haven't had a curfew since I was eleven, what if I need to do some late night snooping?" Edward snaps, annoyance clearly expressed with his narrowed golden eyes.

"We realize this Edward, but how would it look if you were allowed to run amuck at any time at night. Obviously if something needs to be looked into that's a different story, but while your attending the school you will be under curfew." Hawkeye tries to placate, watching as the teen's hands twitch and inch or so closer. The sharpshooter isn't afraid of the Alchemist, having already assured herself that the teen wouldn't attack her out of some taught respect.

Havoc is a totally different story.

"Your weekly curfew is nine thirty, the weekend is eleven." She informs quickly, watching the twitch in Edward's eye become more apparent.

"Nine thirty 'lights out' or be in the house by then?" Edward asks for clarification.

"In the house at least. Lights out is ten." Edward makes a scoffing noise before crossing his arms.

"Anything else Dad?" Edward asks scathingly, the title sounding awkward to everyone in the room specially Edward. Havoc makes a show of thinking for a moment but shakes his head.

"Great. I'll be back in a bit." Ed gets up and moves quickly out of the room, Hayate at his heels.

"Where are you going?" Havoc calls after him and the sound of the screeching back porch screen door is the only answer. Havoc exchanges a look with his companion before smiling broadly.

"That went well." He says but the sharpshooter only rolls her eyes, standing and picking up her plate.

"We can't push him, we have to remember being in a family environment isn't something he's had to deal with in a long time. Let him adjust tomorrow and we'll take it from there." Hawkeye says and Havoc only nods, lighting another cigarette and leaning back in his chair. That is until a soggy dish towel is thrown at his head, extinguishing the freshly lit butt.

"Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I have to cook and clean up." The woman growls, making Jean wince sheepishly and stand with a sigh.

"Should have made 'helping out with chores' one of the rules too." He sighs and quickly begins to wipe dry the dishes Hawkeye hands to him.

Outside on the back porch Edward pulls in a deep lungful of the night air, hoping the chill of the approaching fall will help cool his anger that's burning in his veins. He knows he has no right to be angry with them, that they're just trying to enforce their roles as parents, but the Alchemist can't help but bristle under their rules. He hasn't had rules forced down on him since their training with Izumi ended and the failed human transmutation forced him to suck up his childhood and become the headstrong adult his little brother could look up too.

"Some role model. I'm a working dog for the military and my little brother is still learning what sensations are." Edward growls to himself, curling his metal hand into an angry fist. Hayate nudges against his human leg and whimpers as Edward looks down, laughing at the stick protruding from his mouth.

"Yeah, yeah alight." Ed concedes, taking the stick from the dog and throwing it over by the old shed, allowing all his melancholy thoughts to go with it, at least for the time being. Hayate retrieves the stick and lopes back, dropping the slobber covered stick at Ed's feet before barking and jumping around excitedly. Ed pulls back his arm and sends the stick spinning into the shadows beyond the shed, with Hayate close on its tail. Edward wait patiently and stares up at the quickly fading night sky, the stars shining obscenely bright.

"Hey Hayate, what's taking you so long?" he calls, heading over to where he'd thrown the stick. A sharp whine and some panting urge the Alchemist into moving faster, fear gripping his stomach in an iron fist. If something happened the Hawkeye's dog, he'd be dead, taken out back and shot like an old farm animal.

"Hayate? What are you doing?" Edward calls, finding the dog digging in soft soil, his tail wagging madly. Intending to find out what the dog is so focused on Edward makes to move closer.

Squish

"What the hell?" it wasn't the feeling, since he had no feeling in his auto mail foot; it's the sound that causes Edward to pause and look down. A look of disgust crosses his features as his tongue protrudes from his mouth.

"Oh gross." He exclaims, lifting and shaking his foot free of the rotten tomato. In his attempt to get the tomato guts off his metallic foot Edward hops backward into yet another rotten land mine, this time with his human foot.

"Arg! What is with this place!" he cries as he rubs his human foot along the compact dirt, trying to remove the rotten squash guts from his foot, the sensation of the cool, slimy innards of the rotted fruit making him gag. The back door slams and the sound of hurried steps reach his ears, Havoc's shout making him cringe.

"What's the matter?" he asks, sounding breathless as he pulls up short, noticing the teen's dilemma and trying to not burst out laughing. Edward shoots him a withering glare as he balances on his metal foot to wipe at the good on the human one.

"So nasty. It's going to take me forever to get it out of the joints." He groans and sputters angrily, picking a careful route back out into the grass beside Havoc. Lighting a cigarette the care free man walks through the patch, toeing aside several rotten vegetables.

"Good find Ed, seems the previous owners left a garden behind." He declares, whistling for Hayate who trots back over to where the two soldiers are standing, happily wagging his tail and sneezing the dirt out of his nose. Edward glowers at the dog for a moment, silently blaming him for his misfortune.

"It's kind of odd though isn't it?" Ed asks as Havoc comes out of the garden patch, his hands loaded down with several tomatoes and some peppers.

"What do you mean?" he asks around the nicotine stick, quickly handing Ed some of his load and heading back towards the house.

"Well, the house is furnished… and there's a garden. It seems weird that someone would just up and leave as suddenly as Gage said the previous owners did. I mean, if you were just going to leave why bother planting a garden?" Ed explains, his eyes narrowed with thought. Havoc shrugs and pulls open the door to the house.

"Good question. Let's wait till Mustang gets here to bring this all up though." He says and the teen nods, heading into the kitchen.

Author Note: the whole bit about the garden sprung up from my daily trip out to the garden in my own yard. I was bare foot and walked into the garden intent on picking some cherry tomatoes; well I wasn't looking where I was going and stepped right into a rotten tomato. At that moment I really *wished* I had a metal foot so I didn't have to feel that gross feeling!!! Oh man it was so nasty.

Anyways, PLEASE REVIEW!

I'm off to download the Edward Elric and Roy Mustang sims. I'll update again some time this week! Thanks for reading!