Chapter 4: Like in Munich
--
"What in the world happened to you?" Colonel Roy Mustang asked bluntly, watching Edward. "Fullmetal, you didn't walk into a fight already, did you?"
They were back in his office again, but ten minutes late. They had fallen asleep quite fast in Edward's bed, but Alfons didn't mention any of that sort out loud.
Edward crossed his arms. "No, it's nothing, just get to the point."
Alfons shot him a quick glance before returning his attention to the Colonel again. He didn't know what Edward had done with his leg, but somehow he could walk a tad better than before after he had been in the bathroom. Even though he still occasionally grimaced from pain. And the band aid around his head obviously stood out even more, which probably was the reason of the Colonel's concerned reaction.
Alfons felt slightly bad for all that had happened earlier that day. But this was Edward. A simple wound on the forehead was the last thing he bothered to care about.
"I called you two to inform you about our little project," Mustang started earnestly. "First of all, the project is top secret. Only a handful people will be involved and informed, picked by the Fuhrer."
Alfons listened carefully to the words and Edward simply nodded.
"When talking out loud among yourselves, never name the purpose or divulge what we're actually building. Our project will have a code name."
Mustang watched the two boys carefully where they were standing before him. Alfons looked quite stiff, while Edward seemed relaxed, almost bored. Even if his serious tone didn't seem to have any effect on the ponytailed blond, both of them still looked determined to go through with this.
"I will be responsible for the project," he stated. "But, I request Alfons Heiderich to be in charge of the practical details since he has more experience of the necessary routines."
Alfons' eyes widened. "Me? In charge?"
"Yes. I see that as obvious," Mustang replied. "Will you do it?"
Alfons didn't know what to say. Mustang was really asking him to be the leader of the workers? This was probably the biggest opportunity he had ever had. He bowed fast. "Of course, sir."
Edward gave him a side-glance, smiling.
"Excellent," Mustang said pleased. "Now, we need to work on a schedule for the next days, and a detailed list of materials that will be needed. It will probably take at least a day before the first materials arrive."
Edward didn't look too happy to hear that. "I don't have to use new material," he said. Obviously he wanted everything to be done as fast as possible.
"We'll need a lot," Mustang reasoned. "And it will be better if you do as uncomplicated transmutations as possible – instead of transmuting something non-metal into the right metal, we'll rather start with having the right metal in the first place and only form it. Doing multiple transmutations like that will only exhaust you."
Edward looked like he was about to argue, but in the last second he kept quiet.
"But first," Mustang continued. "Let me show you our playground."
--
Alfons couldn't help but gawk with his mouth open. They were standing in a huge factory building, which contained simply a working area in the size of a football field. Behind them was a huge square hangar door, which they just came in.
"Amazing," Alfons said in awe. The old warehouse in Munich they had used was nothing compared to this.
"Come on," Edward said unimpressed, crossing his arms. "It's just a building. It's bigger than we need, even." He looked at the Colonel. "Or exactly how big airplanes are you expecting us to build?"
Mustang gave him a long look. "As big and as many as it takes to defeat them."
Edward fell silent for some seconds, gazing around again. "Then it'll do."
Alfons smiled. He was getting excited about the project. Especially because he would have a lot of responsibility concerning the project and the workers. And having responsibility was something that he liked.
"Only a few will be working with us on this," Mustang said. "But the Fuhrer will listen to suggestions of people with the proper abilities that will be needed to assist you."
"None," Edward said.
Both Mustang and Alfons drew their eyes at him.
"None?" the Colonel repeated.
"Maybe some strong guys, to bring the heavy stuff for us," Edward said. "Part from that, no others need to be here. Alfons and I are the only ones who know how these things work. They would just be in the way."
Mustang frowned thoughtfully, looking at Alfons to get some kind of confirmation.
Alfons nodded. Edward was right. People in the way who was just hanging around would only slow them down. "Maybe we should prioritise the material list for now," Alfons suggested. "Since it will take some time to bring it here."
"Yeah," Edward agreed fast. "We need paper and ink."
Mustang nodded. "I made sure to build a quiet office room next to the working area. Follow me."
He led the way to the left of the square hangar door, to a small office with a table, couch, desk and an empty bookshelf. Windows pointed at the working area so they could keep an eye on their work while being in the office. It wasn't much. But he had made it soundproof to let them work in privacy if they needed.
"This room is for planning and resting when you need it," he offered with a smile. "You'll probably face some long workdays from now on."
Edward went straight for the desk and found a quill, ink and a piece of paper. "I won't rest until I find him," he muttered, sitting down on the chair and started scribbling.
Alfons smiled weakly. "We'll find him, Edward."
"Don't expect it to be here until the day after tomorrow," Mustang warned. "But I hope it will come sooner than that. Tomorrow you can take your time to rest and heal properly up."
Edward snorted through his nose and continued writing. After a few minutes he rose and stepped up to Alfons and handed him the paper. "See if I missed anything."
Alfons read the list in wonder. Edward had thought of things they needed that he wouldn't even have thought of. Even ingredients for developing the fuel. "It's good," he said, watching Edward in amusement. He was as brilliant as always.
Edward shrugged. "Good."
Alfons handed Mustang the list.
"I will request everything to be brought here as soon as possible," the Colonel promised. "Until I call on you again, you two are free to go and rest up."
"All right," Edward said, not sounding too happy, but accepted it.
Mustang smiled as he watched them leave. So far so good.
--
Heading back towards the dorms, Alfons still felt excited about getting the project set in motion.
"I can't wait to get started," he said worked up as they walked. "I long to just do something again. To create." And be doing it together with Edward of course. Fortunately they weren't still arguing and he didn't have to walk around believing that Edward didn't want him. Edward had only other things on his mind and Alfons understood, even if there still were certain things he wanted to talk to Edward about. But he didn't quite know when it would be the right time to start, because Edward probably thought a lot about his brother all the time. When they got Alphonse Elric back, everything would be better.
Alfons' heart sank a little. If it only were that easy. He knew somehow how Edward's mind worked. Al being missing probably wasn't the only thing that was plaguing his mind.
Alfons pushed the thoughts away by looking forward to start working with the project. It could be fun even. After thinking about it, he and Edward hadn't worked together for weeks. Edward had been busy with his father's old books the last month they had spent in Munich. Maybe while working they could make out the time they needed. Just doing something together again would probably be good.
"It will be different from what we used to do," Edward said calmly.
"I know. The alchemy will definitely make the process go faster." Alfons smiled softly. "The one who will be doing most of the work will probably be you. I won't steal your credits."
Edward gazed at him, scowling. "That's not true. We're doing this together. Who cares about the credits."
Alfons' heart lifted a little by the words. Edward was right, he thought with an agreeing smile. This wasn't about them. It was about getting Edward's little brother back, and stop Thule Society from destroying the world. It was pretty much a simple way of describing a difficult task, but he knew Edward was set upon going through with it no matter what. And Alfons was too.
Alfons shuddered. He would never forget about the time he and Edward had been held prisoners in a dungeon at the headquarters of Thule Society in Munich. It still felt like a dream, a nightmare, like it hadn't really happened.
The people of the Society were cruel. Especially their leader, Dietlinde Eckart. In only a month they had attacked two cities in this world. And back in Munich she had ordered Edward's death in cold blood. Luckily he had escaped the murderous grasp of the homunculus called Envy, but only barely. In the meantime, Dietlinde Eckart had entered her huge flying vessel, and escaped through the open Gate.
At that time he had mostly watched Edward suffer from the sideline, unable to do anything to help him. Thule Society had only held him as their hostage, using him to control Edward.
No matter what, this time he would be there for Edward during their task. Edward would never give up, so he wouldn't either. This time things would be different. He didn't want to be just a burden anymore.
With a sigh, Alfons unlocked their still not perfectly functioning door. But he had at least remembered to bring his key this time.
"You're sighing," Edward observed.
"Yes," Alfons replied, holding the door up for him and let him pass. "I'm just thinking."
"About what?"
Alfons went inside after him and closed the door in place with some effort. "A lot of things, I guess. Mostly about our mission."
Edward stopped in the middle of the room without any reply.
"Thule is stronger now," Alfons said. "And they don't follow any limits, which is a big difference from before. It will be difficult to stop them."
Edward turned and gazed questioningly at him. "Are you having second thoughts?"
"No," he said fast. "Of course not... I'm just being realistic," he continued, smiling softly. "I mean, it will be dangerous. But my point is... I want to be more useful to you than I was last time."
Edward looked at him in wonder. "Alfons…"
Alfons stepped up to him, shaking his head and met his eyes. "I'll prove to you that you can count on me."
Edward seemed slightly taken aback by the words. He stared at Alfons, looking pensive.
"I know that you don't trust me anymore," Alfons said. It hurt to say it out loud. But it was the truth. This was one of the things he had wanted to talk with Edward about. He had to tell him this sooner or later, and he guessed now was as good as any other time. If he didn't, it would eat his mind from inside out.
Edward frowned. "That's not-"
"Don't lie!" Alfons countered, cutting off the other. "You've acted like a stranger to me the past days. And I don't think it has anything to do with Thule or your brother. It's because I…" He took a deep breath. "I hurt you. Before we made it to this world, I made an important decision for you even when I knew you wanted to make that decision for yourself. I… I didn't trust you."
Edward stood stiff, looking like he was trapped in a corner. His eyes went slowly away from Alfons, gold gazing to the side.
With that small action, Alfons knew he wasn't wrong. He wished he had been wrong, but usually he was right. With another deep breath, he spoke again. "I'll make it up to you, I promise," he said intently. "I just hope we can be the same again. Like we were before." He paused. "I miss you, Edward."
Edward looked abruptly up at him again, seeming calmer than he was two seconds ago. "I'm right here, Alfons," he said softly. "I'm not going anywhere. Neither are you, right?"
Alfons found himself smiling again. All Edward had to say was something simple like that. And it made him feel a whole lot better, and knowing that things would start working out.
"Right," he said, trying to hold back some tears. It would be pathetic to start crying now. He turned slightly away, rubbing his eye.
"What's the matter?" Edward asked.
"Nothing, I just got something in my eye."
Edward smiled perceptively at him, clearly seeing right through it. "Stupid moron."
And before he knew it, Edward had moved towards him and caught his lips with his own, and was kissing him fervently.
Alfons' eyes widened before they shuttered closed, and he kissed back, submitting gladly into the kiss. First very gently, then more ardently, tilting his head slightly down to meet the shorter blond.
What was this feeling?
He recognized it only as relief. It felt wonderful to finally kiss Edward again. It felt like an eternity since last time.
A metal arm was gently wrapping around his waist and stroking up his back alongside a flesh one. He cupped Edward's face, letting his hands feel down his neck and back through his golden locks of hair.
Edward parted slowly to breathe, eyes still closed and licked his lips. "I just realized we haven't been doing that for a while," he murmured.
Alfons breathed in and captured Edward's lips again. He wouldn't let him go now.
Edward snorted, but willingly kissed back, clenching his fists onto Alfons' shirt.
Alfons let his tongue pat gently at Edward's lips, asking for entrance. Parting his lips, Edward's tongue eagerly clashed together with his and swirled around each other in a warm, moist dance. Alfons parted his lips more, moaning softly into the highly missed kiss.
It seemed like Edward had missed it too. With a gentle tug in Alfons' shirt, they moved towards Edward's bed and slumped down on it. Legs got tangled together and Edward wrapped his arms around Alfons' back. Breaking away from the tender kiss, Alfons felt his way underneath Edward's shirt, needing to feel bare skin against his hands.
Edward shuddered. "Your hands are cold."
Alfons nuzzled into Edward's neck. "Not for long." He let his hands rub up and down Edward's warm skin at his torso, his stomach and sides.
Edward writhed beneath him, grabbing at his arms. "Uh, stop! Not there!" He burst out laughing and kicked.
Alfons grinned and purposely touched Edward where he knew he was ticklish. He was just totally adorable, laughing and squirming like that. He hadn't heard Edward laugh for ages.
"Alfons, stop that or else I'll kill you!" Edward gasped between his laugh attacks. He managed to pin Alfons' wrists in the air, away from him.
Alfons kept grinning at him, pinning him to the mattress between his thighs. "If you kill me, who's going to make you eat your vegetables?"
Edward grimaced at him, and Alfons jerked down and caught his mouth with his again, making lips and teeth clash together in a very appealing mix.
Edward made a slight attempt to struggle himself free, but got caught up in the kiss and released Alfons' wrists instead, clutching the front of his shirt.
Their mouths caressed each other's lips, succumbing to the warm passion. Edward's tongue was suddenly exploring intensely around his, fighting an eager battle of dominance. Even though Edward was lying on his back, Alfons snuck his arms around him, wanting to just hold him close to him. He slowly broke the kiss, gaining his breath and for some seconds he could only watch the other contentedly. "I love you, Edward."
Edward snorted with a smile and dropped his head back on the pillow. "Alfons... Believe it or not, but I'm really glad you're with me now."
Alfons' heart lifted and he felt happier than he could remember he had been for a very long time. It wasn't really Edward's thing, saying sentimental things to people. He had learned a long time ago that Edward never returned the L-word directly. But he had other ways to show him affection and that he loved him. Alfons was okay with that. He didn't need to hear the exact words.
He hugged Edward close to him around his waist, lying between his thighs, and rested his cheek towards his chest. Edward shifted his arms to rest on his back and letting his golden eyes droop, occasionally rubbing lazily at his back which made Alfons almost literally melt.
"Everything still seems kind of unreal," Edward murmured. "Every night before I sleep, I wonder if this is a dream, and that I'll wake up in Munich again."
"Me too," Alfons said. "But on the other hand, I feel different. For example..." he breathed deep. "I'm not sick. I can feel the difference very well."
Edward heh'ed.
"And sometimes, I suddenly see images of something I haven't experienced," Alfons continued. "It's like random parts of some distant dream."
Edward brows knitted together and his eyes opened and watched him. "Images of what?"
Alfons stared thoughtfully towards the pillow. "Sometimes I see circles. They look like your alchemy drawings. And I see glimpses of red and blue light. Lots of beautiful art and nature. Other times..." he paused hesitantly. "I can see people fighting. They wear military uniforms, and others are civilians with dark skin and red eyes. It's a war."
Edward sat up so abruptly that Alfons jumped. He leant back on his palms, while Edward watched him with wide eyes.
"What is it?" Alfons asked, frowning. "Don't tell me that what I saw is..."
"The Gate showed you this," Edward said.
"What?"
Edward stood up, walking thoughtfully back and forth through the small room. "It's something that happens to people when they go through the Gate. Information gets stuffed into their brain. It happened to me when I came to your world too."
Alfons nodded. He remembered Edward had told him about that before. "But I think this was different," he said. "I don't remember seeing any of this after I woke up. It just suddenly pops into my mind at random times. Sometimes I don't know if it's a dream or not."
"You were unconscious at that time," Edward said. "So the information must have been saved somewhere deep into your mind. You saw how alchemy works. And you saw the Ishbal war."
"I see," Alfons said. "And it couldn't have showed up at any worse time. I was in the middle of my hearing and I almost messed up."
"Hm," Edward said thoughtfully. "It's possible the information comes easier up to the surface of your mind when you feel stressed."
Alfons guessed he was right since he had been quite harassed at that time. "And there's one more thing..." He continued sounding a little bewildered. "I don't think I speak German anymore. I just didn't notice it."
Edward only stared at him. Then he laughed. "I guess you're right. I doubt any other people around here would've understood you."
Edward did really take this lightly, Alfons thought. Even though he silently mourned a little over the loss of his own language. Speaking German was the last thing he could possibly have that reminded him of home, and yet he didn't even have that. "So what are we talking now?" he asked. "Was it Amestrian you called it? I remember asking you once in Munich."
Edward nodded. "Yeah."
Alfons crossed his legs underneath him, scowling down at the bed. "This is weird."
Edward shrugged. "It's nothing to dwell upon, I guess. The Gate has its ways. We should be happy you talk our language. Or else it would've been a pain in the ass to convince the military to hire you."
Alfons heh'ed. "I guess. About the military..." He looked up at his lover, and received a questioningly look back. "Your hearing is soon. Aren't you nervous?"
Edward gave him a long thoughtful look, as in trying to remember what he was talking about. "Oh, that. No."
Alfons couldn't help feel worried. He had had a milder form of the hearing and he had almost started vomiting. "The Colonel said..."
"I know what he said," Edward shot in. "But I can handle them easily."
"If you say so," Alfons said, giving in. "I just thought that... death sentence..." he gulped, just thinking the word made him shiver. "How can they decide to execute someone on behalf on a minor thing such as deserting anyway? It doesn't really make any sense."
"It makes perfectly sense," Edward opposed calmly. "The country is run by the military, and they don't trust any other countries. Any deserter would be taken for a spy for hostile countries."
Alfons fell silent. He guessed he could understand since his own country also had certain issues with trusting people that looked a little different or had a unlike understanding of religion.
"I didn't desert anything anyway," Edward continued matter-of-factly. "I'm back here being a dog and all, am I not? So don't worry about it." He looked to the side, glancing at the door. "Our door is still busted because of you."
Alfons grimaced. "Because you hit your head," he commented with a small grin.
"Shut up." Edward grinned back at him. "Let me show you something."
Alfons rose from the bed, curious of what Edward was planning on showing him. Edward arranged the door to its right position and knitted his fingers together, stretching them in front of him. "I can fix this in one second, so watch."
Alfons watched in awe. And he suddenly realized that he had never seen Edward perform alchemy before. Not even once.
Edward simply clapped his hands and touched the door lightly. A sharp blue light lit up in the small hall. It reminded him about the light he had seen in some of his odd visions. In one second the door was repaired, functioning properly again. Edward tested it by opening and closed it again. He turned back to Alfons with a smile. "There."
Alfons stared at him in pure wonder. It was really... magical.
Edward looked hesitantly back at him. "I'm sorry, it wasn't all that great... I promise that I'll show you more exciting transmutations later," he added.
Alfons shook his head and stepped up to him, wrapping both of his arms around him. "It's incredible," he said. "I still don't see how it's possible to do something that amazing."
"You think?" Edward asked, voice lifted.
Alfons released him slowly and planted a soft kiss on his lips. "Yeah."
"I've missed alchemy," Edward said, looking down at his own hands. "It was like losing a part of me when I suddenly was living without it."
Alfons nodded. "I know you tried to transmute that lamp you broke once." He smiled.
Edward blushed slightly. "Well, yeah, obviously it didn't work."
Alfons shook his head with a leer. "I thought you were insane."
Edward snorted. "Everyone did."
Alfons' smile disappeared. "No, they didn't. Speaking of them... I wonder what they think. We just disappeared like that."
Edward walked towards the bed again, slumping down on his back. "It's not that hard to figure out. My father's car at Thule Society's old headquarters, one of the rockets gone, and the Gate still open on that side..." he trailed off and became silent.
Alfons nodded. "You're right. They'll figure out that we left through the Gate."
"I just hope no one decides to follow us," Edward said darkly.
Alfons stiffened. He hadn't thought about that. "They wouldn't... right? Who would?"
Edward shrugged. "Explorers, scientists, curious people... Maybe even military people."
Alfons swallowed. "That wouldn't be good."
Edward sighed. "Too late to think of that now."
Alfons looked to the side, feeling suddenly bad about everything. If more people came through the Gate, what would happen? Which side would they be on? Thule's? Neither? He didn't want to think about it, but couldn't help it either.
It was his fault that the Gate wasn't closed from his world. He had smoothly prevented Edward from going through with it.
Alfons' intention hadn't been on coming here with him. He had planned to destroy the Gate himself, with help from his co-workers. He had thought maybe using dynamite or other strong explosives would do the trick. But he had never gotten the chance to try.
Edward watched him being in his thoughtful state. "Alfons," he said.
Alfons blinked and looked at his lover again.
"Just forget about it," Edward said. "Let's go to bed already."
Alfons nodded. "Right."
Edward moved in towards the wall, making room for him again.
Alfons smiled, his heart getting warm. It was always so little Edward had to do to lift his mood.
Edward removed his pants and shirt and dropped down on his back. "What do you want to do tomorrow?" he asked while Alfons undressed.
"I don't know. We could hang out in the city or something?" he suggested.
"Yeah, sure. I'm curious if they have rebuilt the library," Edward said.
Alfons lay down on his side, nestling into Edward's neck. "What happened to it?"
"Burned down," Edward replied sleepily, draping an arm over Alfons' chest.
Alfons rested on his back, watching Edward for a while as he snuggled close. He was always so adorable when doing that. With golden eyes closed and his ear resting against his chest like that, Alfons knew Edward was listening to his heartbeat. He made a couple of deep, soothing intakes of breath to calm down his own heart rate into a relaxed rhythm – which he knew worked calming on his lover, like a lullaby. Soon Edward's breathing was already deep and stable.
With a soft smile he kissed Edward's forehead and carefully reached for the covers, swathing it over them both.
"Good night, Edward," he whispered.
"'Night," Edward responded in a low drowsy voice.
--
As the first sunlight of the next day shone brightly through the split of the curtains, Alfons was the first to wake up. He usually was the early bird among the two of them. He yawned and stretched, but careful not to wake up the still sleeping figure lying close beside him.
Edward's face didn't even stir. He lied on his side, breathing deep. He looked so peaceful.
Alfons felt relieved. Edward was too often suffering from nightmares before he would wake up abruptly in cold sweat. Actually, Alfons couldn't remember the last time he had seen Edward look so untroubled in the morning.
He smiled of the shorter teen and carefully swept a couple of stray golden locks away from his face. Edward was beautiful. Alfons couldn't take his eyes off him. They had a difficult and dangerous task ahead. This moment was probably the most peaceful they would get before starting their work.
After a while, Edward shifted slowly and inhaled deeply before his golden eyes started to focus. He yawned widely and tucked the covers more tightly around himself. "I don't want to get up," he muttered.
Alfons laughed quietly. "We don't have to get up."
"Good." Edward closed his eyes again and snuggled into his side.
"Did you sleep well?" Alfons asked softly.
"Better than the previous nights," he said. After some seconds he added: "It's narrow, but I guess I just have to face that I need you beside me to sleep." He had realized, hearing Alfons' heartbeat against his ear was probably the only way of having a good night's sleep after all. It was the most beautiful sound he knew.
Alfons grinned happily of the statement and wrapped his arms around his lover. "I'm glad. I slept better too."
Edward opened his eyes again, shifting slowly to rest his head on Alfons' shoulder. "You know, I'm sorry," he said in a low voice. "I haven't thought about how weird it must be for you, suddenly being in another world and all that. I guess I forgot how it is."
Alfons shook his head. "I'm not doing that bad, am I?"
Edward heh'ed. "Nah, you're coping better than I do."
Alfons frowned. "What do you mean?"
Edward shook his head as well. "Just forget it. I just…" His face got suddenly solemn. "I need to find him."
Alfons nodded. "I know. And we will." Usually he wasn't the optimistic type. But he would be in this case. For Edward.
He shifted, reaching Edward's lips and kissed him deeply. Edward answered the kiss immediately, allowing Alfons' tongue to enter and explore his mouth. Swirling his warm tongue around, Alfons felt something stir in the lower parts of the body. He moaned into the kiss, caressing Edward's warm skin up and down his back. He wondered absent-mindedly if Edward felt it too.
Their legs twined together and he felt an arm of warm metal against his back, warmed up from the comforting warmth underneath their blanket. Alfons thought the feeling of it against his back was absolutely wonderful.
Edward moaned softly and broke the kiss to take a deep breath. Alfons left a trail of kisses alongside his cheek and neck, making him writhe onto his back.
Alfons took his chance and climbed on top of him, straddling his hips. Now that he had secured Edward from going anywhere, he curved down again and continued with light kisses along his collar and neck.
Edward felt electric shivers run around his body and twisted his head to give a kissing revenge. On his way, he captured Alfons' earlobe between his lips and sucked gently.
Alfons trembled of the goosebumps which ran across his whole body by the deed. He loved it. He had missed it so much.
He shifted slightly and his hand trailed over Edward's torso and down his stomach, taking his time just to feel Edward's smooth skin.
Edward arched up, impatiently implying where he wanted the hand to be.
Alfons kissed his mouth as he lowered his hand until he enveloped the semi-hard member.
Edward groaned and buried his face into his shoulder as he stroked him. Alfons nuzzled his neck, sucking on his pulse, but careful not to leave any visible marks that might be difficult to explain. He gasped out as he felt Edward touch him as well, stroking him firmly back with his flesh hand, and Alfons got a hard time restraining himself from ripping Edward's boxers off him and pound into him.
"Edward," he moaned softly. He touched Edward's cheek with his free hand, leading him to his lips and kissed him fondly again. With a gentle tug, he released his lover's hardness from its prison of cotton.
Edward curled his tongue around Alfons' and thrust his hips upwards without paying any mind to it. Alfons grinned and started pumping Edward's member with his hand, stopping when he was close, and making the other gasp and squirm and grasp for his boxers to tug them down.
"Alfons," he muttered.
"Yes?" Alfons breathed.
"My arm stays attached this time," Edward said.
Alfons stopped for a second, staring into a pair of needing, but serious-looking golden eyes. Then he kissed him deeply, hoping Edward would forget about the time he had trusted him 'too much'. And Alfons hoped Edward would trust him like that again, and not be disappointed.
All that mattered now was that they were together. As long as they were together, he could prove to Edward that he deserved his reliance.
At the time Alfons entered, thrusting deep but carefully into Edward, he absent-mindedly noted that they hadn't had sex since they were in Munich. At that time he had thought that it would have been their last time forever. Maybe that had been the reason why he had asked Edward to try out his fantasy.
It felt like a long time ago.
Edward lay on his back, his eyes were closed, but his lips were parted. Soft unsuppressed moans were escaping from his throat between each synchronized movement of hips, as they were sharing the uttermost intimacy two people could have.
And it felt wonderful.
Alfons felt himself getting close, and started pumping Edward again, making the said blond moan his name the way he found so adorable. He picked up his pace, until both reached their climax and came contently together.
All lax and exhausted, both of them slumped down buried in the damp sheets. Alfons hugged his beloved friend's chest. His eyelids felt heavy, even though it was almost time to get up. He felt Edward's metal hand in his hair. Fingers were caressing gently over the back of his scalp, brushing his light-blond hair into more of a mess. He loved the feeling of Edward's hand stroking his hair like that. It almost made him purr like a cat.
"Alfons," Edward murmured.
"Mhm?" Alfons opened his eyes, and Edward found himself staring straight into the pair of deep, azure eyes.
"Always… help me believe that he's alive," he whispered, his hand stilling at Alfons' neck. "Will you?"
Alfons lifted his head slowly and frowned. What was this now? Suddenly Edward started talking like that. "Of course he's alive," he said.
Edward's eyes had saddened a little, but he nodded slowly.
"You don't doubt it, do you?" Alfons asked, resisting the urge to do something that would make Edward continue the petting.
It couldn't be that Edward doubted that his brother was alive. Edward was the most determined person in the world. He would fight until he reached his goal no matter what dangerous obstacles they met. Or would meet. He would refuse to believe it was all for nothing.
Unless he knew something more... Was it something Edward wasn't telling him?
Edward didn't reply, but continued the petting and Alfons absent-mindedly nestled into the touch. After a short while Edward said instead: "I just need to hear it out loud sometimes. It feels stupid to talk out loud to myself."
Alfons smiled weakly, letting his head rest on top of Edward's chest again. "It's not that stupid. People do that sometimes, to calm themselves down. At least I do, when you're not watching."
He received a questioning look from the older blond, and he laughed quietly. "Sometimes I'd say, 'calm down now, Alfons, or else you won't find a solution to this problem' or 'hell, that dish won't clean itself.'"
To his relief, Edward laughed like he had hoped he would do.
Edward sat up in the bed, his smile morphed into a serious look again. "I can't wait to start on the plane for real. Or else, I'll feel like it will be too late. But either way, I won't stop until he's safe."
Alfons nodded. "I know."
"Let's take a shower and go," Edward said, changing the subject as fast as he had started on it.
--
Coming outdoors and walk about in Central City was more of a relief to Alfons than he had imagined. At first he had thought Central was nothing like Munich, and hadn't quite managed to understand why Edward once had compared the two cities. But as soon as he walked the streets himself, he discovered that they had their similarities. Large houses made of stone, square-shaped stone tiles on the ground, cars driving past them every once in a while, shops and crowds everywhere. This was like the big city-life he was used to.
Alfons found himself glad for that. He had always liked the sound of the city. He had never lived on a farm on the countryside or spent his days in flowering fields and forests like Edward had when he was a child. It seemed peaceful to live that way too, but within his heart Alfons knew he was a person who belonged in a lively city.
But completely similar to Munich it was not, of course. At least not now when it was autumn at home while here it seemed to be spring. Warm enough to be summer even. The whole place seemed more colourful and alive. Alfons wished his last memory of Munich wasn't a cold, rainy and foggy night.
He glanced at Edward. He was walking beside him, looking distant and thoughtful as usual. Even if someone had screamed into his ear, he might not have heard it.
Alfons stopped to get his attention. It was the only way. Edward would hopefully notice when he wasn't walking beside him anymore.
It took some seconds before Edward stopped too and turned back to look for him. "Alfons?"
Alfons smiled. "I was just thinking we might need some clothes."
Edward agreed. "I've kind of missed spending the Colonel's funding," he grinned.
That wasn't the point, but Alfons grinned back. They hardly had anything to wear, except for the few clothes they had gotten from the military and the ones they had worn when they crashed into this world. But unfortunately they hadn't been able to do any laundry yet.
Shopping wasn't Alfons' greatest hobby, but he secretly cared about what he was wearing at times. Looking represent was one of the steps to get proper respect. His father had once taught him that. Edward on the other hand, didn't seem to care what he was wearing, but still he seemed to pick something that not anyone would pick.
Alfons suspected that Edward didn't mind stick out in crowds, even when he wasn't drunk.
They stepped out of the shop with enough clothing to last out the week. He hadn't been able to find any new braces, and it didn't seem like it was as normal using it in this country as it had been in his. But he wore his old ones anyway, since he liked that better than wearing a belt. At least they didn't have to use a washing machine until the end of the weekend, Alfons thought.
"I'm starving," Edward stated.
"Me too," Alfons admitted. "What do you want for lunch?"
"Let's go in here."
He followed Edward into a peaceful café, and found a table in one of the corners by the window. While they waited for their ordered food, Edward was telling him a story of one of the times he had been in Central, having an old suit of armour following him. "Al loves cats," Edward said. Alfons smiled, remembering Edward had told him that before. He seemed more comfortable about telling stories here in this world. At least he didn't need to be drunk.
"He hid a kitten inside his chest and carried it around and hoped to keep it." He laughed.
"What? How?" Alfons asked.
"He'd open his chest plate and stock things inside him. He couldn't feel it," Edward explained.
"Amazing," Alfons said in wonder.
They received their food and ate while the conversation went from one thing to the other. And Edward seemed to have completely forgotten about everything of their mission and that his brother was lost. Alfons hadn't seen him smile like that for a long time. It felt wonderful to see it, but somehow weird too. It was almost odd how normal things seemed, hanging out together. So normal it felt strange. Alfons couldn't remember that they hardly ever did something like this in Munich. Going out in town, shopping, eating together and laughing... Again he found himself wishing he had more good memories from the time they had spent in Munich. Alfons knew they would never come back there again, and sadly, he had accepted it.
"Do you want to go to see if the library is there?" he asked Edward when they had finished eating.
The older nodded. "Yeah."
They paid and went out of the small café, Edward leading the way. Alfons felt a small need to hold his hand and kiss him. But he kept himself in place, because it wouldn't have been such a good idea. He didn't even know how the rules of that kind of things were in this world. But probably not very different from home in Munich.
Still he wondered yet again what Edward really thought about that matter. In all probability he didn't think about it at all. But Alfons still wished they didn't have anything to hide from the world. He wished they could just be themselves in front of everyone.
After a while, he decided to test Edward, without seeming too obvious. After all, since they didn't have so many memories worth remembering from Munich, his beloved Munich, then they had to create some memorable memories here. In this world. In this town, maybe. "Edward," he said, and the other turned his head in his direction.
"What?"
"I've been thinking," Alfons started slowly and lowered his voice so only Edward would hear. "When we have achieved what we're working on, when we have found your brother, and stopped Thule…"
Edward nodded slowly.
"When we have achieved all that… What do you think about doing then?"
Edward dwelled on the question. "Honestly, I haven't thought that far ahead."
Alfons had assumed he would reply something like that. "What if we find a place together? We could get by. Like we did in Munich."
Edward was silent. A little too silent for Alfons' liking.
"It's just a thought," he added fast. "We don't have to decide anything."
Edward shrugged. "I don't know. Wouldn't it seem odd to people?"
Ah, there it was, Alfons thought. Maybe Edward really was afraid that people would find out about them. But was it because he was afraid to get punished by law, or was it because he was ashamed? Or a totally different reason?
Alfons guessed, either way there wouldn't be much they could do about it. All he could do for now was to make Edward put everything on the table. Because, if he were ashamed, they had better talking about it once and for all and find out the best solution to hide their secret from the world. Alfons would of course rather hide their love than end it because of what the laws said.
"Are you afraid of what people will say if they find out about us?" he asked directly. Why not just get right to it. He needed Edward to confirm if he was or not.
Edward gave him a long look. The word "afraid" was hardly something that belonged in his vocabulary. "Do you think they would just accept it?" he countered.
Alfons hesitated. "Some people probably wouldn't, but I don't think everyone would be against it. Either way, why should we care? It's our life, not theirs."
"It's still taboo, Alfons," Edward sighed. "Like it is in Munich. Perhaps not as much as there, but we'd still lose our jobs, our dignity and our military sources. I wouldn't be a state alchemist anymore, and you would probably lose the right to build airplanes."
Saying it like that, it sounded quite pointless to let the world know. If they couldn't fit into the society, where would they go? It was almost exactly the same as in Munich.
Alfons sighed too. "Okay, I get it. So we'll just hide it. Although, someone ought to know, right? How about your friends and Al?"
Edward nodded. "Yeah, I guess. I'll tell Al."
Alfons felt a little better by that. At least Edward wasn't thinking of denying them to everyone in the world. Someone would know, and that was better than none. But still, he wouldn't give up on his little suggestion.
"It wouldn't be that odd for us to live together though," he said. "We did in Munich and no one seemed to suspect anything."
Edward seemed to dwell upon that. "I guess you're right," he said slowly. "But what about Al?"
Alfons almost made a happy dance. Edward wanted to try at least. They could live together in their own place, maybe even more their own than in Munich, where they practically had stayed with Gracia.
"Al can live with us if he wants to," Alfons said, feeling a huge smile forming on his own lips.
Edward stopped and looked at him in wonder. "You wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not," Alfons said, approximately surprised. "I haven't exactly thought about how it would be, but I know you don't want to be separated from your brother once we find him."
Edward nodded. "Yeah…"
Obviously Alfons had given him something to think about, because some seconds later, Edward was looking distant and thoughtful again. It was that look Edward had when he thought about his brother.
Alfons laughed quietly.
After some minutes, Edward stopped and just looked at a large white building. It looked quite newly built. The architecture was beautiful. It reminded Alfons of old Greek style combined with a ceiling of glass.
At the front, modern-fashioned and corpulent letters formed the words 'Central Library'.
Alfons smiled at Edward, who looked practically stunned. "They surely rebuilt it quite fast."
Edward nodded. "I wonder what I can find in the restricted first branch now." He grinned back at Alfons.
After laying a huge amount of long stairs behind them, they reached the main doors and went inside.
The library was quiet and only illuminated by the sunlight shining through the ceiling. It gave the whole place a deep, mysterious glow about it. The walls contained rows of tall shelves with probably a million books, and Alfons thought Edward must have found his own little Heaven.
It was just about then Edward froze to the ground, and Alfons almost walked right into him.
By the far end of the room stood a slender girl with huge round glasses and stared in their direction, or more correctly, in Edward's direction. And even though she was far away, Alfons could still figure out her words when she started speaking.
"E-Edward…" she stuttered. "Edward Elric… is that you?"
