Continued by popular demand (not really).

And just a little note, since people keep asking 'why do you call her Ms. Riza?'. Well, for one thing, I don't want to bother typing Lieutenant Hawkeye all the time, since I'm likely not to spell Lieutenant right. I am getting better, though. And I also find using her title all the time seems too formal, just her last name too impersonal, and her first name consequently too personal. So... It just kinda ended up being Ms. Riza.

Anyways, you don't care. Moving on--!

Chapter Four

When Roy awoke (again), it was considerably darker outside. A glance at the illuminated alarm clock confirmed that it was nearing five pm.

Ed was still asleep, breathing slowly in and out. Roy smiled slightly, pressing his forearm again to the other's forehead.

Fever's down. Then again, he amended in his head, said fever seemed to be playing come-and-go. Reaching slowly to the bedside table, Roy silently pressed a finger to the transmutation circle to slow the water molecules down before wringing the compress to a slight, chilled dampness.

He was pressing it to Ed's flesh when the younger began to stir, blinking bemusedly.

"Hm...?"

Then he suddenly realized someone was behind him and sat up immediately; and in that same instant regretted it as the blood rushed firmly to his head.

"Easy, Fullmetal." Roy muttered, a hand on on of the other's shoulders.

Ed groaned, "Yeah, yeah."

He slumped back against Roy's chest, with a relieved sigh as Roy continued his ministrations.

With a chuckled, Roy admonished quietly, "That's what happens when you don't get enough sleep."

"I'll log that away." Ed said softly, closing his eyes. "Meanwhile, why are you here?"

"So you won't die." Roy replied wryly.

The other made a small exasperated sound in the back of his throat. "Yeah, but why did you stay?"

"Well," Roy answered plaintively, "I didn't want to wake you up."

By now the elder's hands were pressing gently along Ed's collar bone, along his neck. It was a deliciously refreshing effect, soothing the younger's throbbing head.

"At this point, I doubt I would have woken up." Ed muttered finally.

Roy shook his head amusedly. "True, that, but I'd rather sit here than do paperwork anyways."

"Shoulda known I was just an excuse." Ed grumbled dryly. "But I doubt that'll fly with Ms. Riza anyways."

"Probably not." Roy conceded.

Ed didn't try to move, remembering the last results; besides, it was strangely comforting to have Roy taking care of him. While Ed reminded himself that he hated Roy, the morally bankrupt bastard with a God complex, he couldn't find a genuine reason to get up.

His stomach growled. Well, there's that.

Coincidently, a knock sounded at the door. Slowly this time, Ed sat forward as Roy moved to answer the door. Ed picked the compress up, pressing it to the back of his neck absentmindedly.

A moment later, a little head of sandy blonde hair peeked in, followed by a girl of eight with sea-green eyes.

"Don't breathe, Elysia." Ed warned dramatically. "I'm siiiick."

She just giggled. "Well, Momma wanted to tell you she's here to make you and Uncle Roy something to eat, since she heard you were sick."

"Does everyone think I'm incompetent?" Ed wondered aloud.

"Just Ms. Riza and everyone else at the office." Elysia said, truly trying to comfort the elder. "Anyways, Momma's making some chicken soup."

Ed groaned, before slowly clamoring out of bed. "Well, I'm not going to lay around all day. I got evaluation's coming up."

"I got a test in science I have to study for." She responded sympathetically.

Ed joined the other adults in the living area, pawing lazily through his pile of paper as Elysia produced a large science book. After a moment, she enlisted Roy's help in defining words and answering questions, and managed to entice Ed into helping as well. Gracia was standing docilely over the stove, stirring a pot of chicken broth, vegetables and noodles. It was a very lop-sided gathering in the small room when the food was served, a near-disaster avoided when a glass of milk was tipped.

After that, Gracia took it upon herself to run a load of much-needed laundry and dishes, despite Ed's insistence that he was fine. So the two alchemists returned to assisting the second grader with her studies, moving from science to math and social studies. By the time Gracia decided to leave, Elysia was confused, Roy was amused, and Ed was drowsing on the elder's shoulder.

The young blonde wasn't aware the two women had left until he heard the lock latch, and it took him another moment to realize Roy was still there. But he just nestled further into the elder's shoulder, apparently not awake at all. Roy just smiled, carried him to bed, and tucked him under the blankets.

The things I do. He chuckled, glancing at the clock. It was past nine o' clock. He should go home. But another glance at Ed made him think twice. What if the other woke up, or stopped breathing, or started dying?! Okay, that wasn't likely, but still. It could happen.

Ed regained consciousness enough to glare softly at Roy.

"Go to bed, you weirdo. Take your own advice."

Roy nodded, admitting silently that he had a point. "If you're still sick tomorrow, don't come in."

"Yeah, yeah." Ed was already falling back asleep.

Chuckling in spite of himself, Roy resigned to brushing the blonde bangs from the younger's face.

"Good night, Ed."

He almost didn't hear the return, "Night, Roy."