Part IV
The benches lining the hallways in the Physics Department of Central University are decidedly uncomfortable, though they are a better choice than standing up as he waits for Edward to come out.
Roy has earned a fair deal of looks in his time here, ranging from wary distrust to dreamy stares, though nobody has dared to approach him and ask the obvious question.
After all, what reason could have a General of the Amestris Military to spend over an hour sitting idly in here?
Well, first of all, Roy wasn't expecting it to take quite so long. This is Edward they are talking about, so Roy was sure he would breeze through this presentation the same way he did with his State Alchemist exam. Had Roy known it would take so long, he would have brought a second book, because he finished the one he brought fifteen minutes ago.
The door opens, finally, and Edward walks out, his expression one of self-satisfaction that tells Roy everything he needs to know before Edward even opens his mouth.
"Passed. And I got a job," Edward says, grinning.
Roy stands up and approaches him with a smile of his own.
"Congratulations, Doctor Elric."
He doesn't say or do anything else, purposefully waiting to see what Edward will do while he counts in his head.
"Don't be a jerk, Roy," Edward snaps, rolls his eyes, and drags Roy down to crush their mouths together.
Six seconds. Not bad.
Edward scoffs for the fifth time in so many minutes, and his pen scratches furiously on the paper before him.
Ever since Edward joined the staff of Central University, this has become part of their routine. Edward loves the research side of his job, he can go on and on about whatever project he's working on for hours on end. Teaching, however, is an entirely different story.
Edward mutters something under his breath and the scratching intensifies. That's the signal his patience is about to run out. Roy sets down the reports he has been reading and stands up. He walks over to Edward's desk and sits on the edge of it.
"What's the problem?" he asks.
Edward looks up at him, a massive frown on his face. It's the sort of expression that would have preceded a massive rant years ago.
"This guy's a moron," Edward growls, gesturing at the essay before him. "Don't know how the fuck he made it this far, but mine is an advanced class, not high school."
Curious, Roy extends his hand.
"May I?"
Edward shoves the essay at him and reaches for a new one. Three pages in, Roy is impressed by how restrained Edward's comments on it are. Scathing, yes, but there isn't a single rude word or insult in it. Roy isn't sure how long Edward will be able to hold back, though, because the essay is as long as some of the tedious reports Roy has to deal with.
"We could mark it together," Roy suggests halfway through the fourth page. Edward's comments haven't reached this far.
"You're not doing my job, Roy," Edward says without looking up.
"I wouldn't dream of it. I'm simply offering to give you some running commentary on this thing." Roy waves the essay. "And, if you can refrain from being downright rude and offensive, I'll even throw in a massage while you work."
Two minutes later, Roy is reading over Edward's shoulder while he works out the knots on his back.