So, this was supposed to go up four weeks ago. I e-mailed it to my beta, and asked them to put it up for me, so you wouldn't all be kept waiting. But, sadly, the mail didn't get to my beta. So, when I came back from camp, it was still not up. So, I apologize for the wait, and hopefully at least some of my readers are still around. So, right, I'm sorry again, and here's what I had written:
I'm disappointed in you all. Barely any reviews for that last chapter. Tsk tsk. Well I doubled the regular length of the chapters I write on this one, so you better review, dammit.
Thank you to all that reviewed about the rating. I've decided to keep it on T for now, but it will undoubtedly go up to M in the future.
So. This is a chapter I have been planning for a really long time. Since the beginning, really. So, here ya go
Chapter Seven: Dates
"Roy, let's do something."
Roy briefly paused stroking the young man's hair. Edward lay on the couch in Roy's office, his head on Roy's lap. His hair tie was currently elsewhere, having been lost during their previous activities. It was after school, Edward had claimed to be at a club, and Roy had said he had work to do. They were left alone. The school was practically void of human life- just the way they liked it.
"Do something?"
"Yeah, like, as a couple."
Edward turned so he was looking right up at Roy with golden eyes. Roy blinked. "You, mean, like a date?"
Ed nodded.
Roy was puzzled. "But, Ed, we can't."
Ed looked up at him with wide, puppy eyes. "Why?"
"Because," Roy explained, straining to keep his face straight. Did Edward know how cute he looked? His eyes, so innocent, and that little pout on his lips…" that would involve going out. In case you haven't noticed, we can't exactly do that."
"Not necessarily," Ed said casually, dropping the pout, much to Roy's dismay. "We could go somewhere where no one will be."
Roy raised an eyebrow. "Like where?"
"How about your place?"
Roy's eyes bulged. Was this kid suggesting- no he couldn't possibly mean- they had already discussed that- Roy tried to regain his composure. "And why would you want to go there?"
"Well, it's private, for one thing. We could do whatever we want…"
Roy nearly fainted. This boy- this innocent child- But they couldn't- Roy had told him that- But... The prospect of it… Forbidden sex… Roy's bed… Beautiful Edward writhing beneath him, moaning, calling his name with his virgin voice-
"Um?" Edward said suddenly, lifting his head from his previous position in Roy's lap. "Roy, you-"
Roy looked down. It seemed he had gotten a little too excited…
Realization dawned on Edward's face as he turned bright red. "AH! No, not THAT! I meant like dinner and a movie, you perv!"
Disappointed, Roy leaned back against the couch. Well, might as well make the best of it. "Of course, I couldn't expect you to want to do that, being the child you are."
"HEY! I am not, bastard!"
"Oh yeah?" Roy said, face impassive. "Say the words 'sex', 'cum', and 'cock'."
Edward flushed. "What!"
"You heard me."
"F-fine, it's not like it's a big deal…" Edward paused for a full ten seconds, took a deep breath, and said all three in one quick breath, causing them all become one word.
Roy smirked and shook his head. "Pathetic. I guess someone as small as you are is bound to be childish."
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SMALL HE COULD DANCE ON THE TIP OF A PIN! AND BESIDES, THAT WAS A STUPID WAY TO TEST MY MATURITY!"
"Oh, Edward, will you ever get over your lack of height?"
"STOP CALLING ME SMALL!"
Roy laughed. "So, Edward, back to what you were saying… you want to come to my place? For dinner and a movie? Why?"
Because…" Edward said, suddenly becoming nervous.
"Yes…?"
"Do… Do I have to answer that?"
Roy's sadistic side came into play as he replied, "Of course, Edward. What if I thought you had ulterior motives?"
Edward blushed, remembering the misunderstanding. "I just… want to really spend time with you, you know? Not just… like what we do here."
Roy raised an eyebrow. "You seem to like 'what we do here' when we're doing it. Or were all those moans fake?"
Edward turned away, but Roy could see the red on his neck. "Sh-shut up…"
Smile widening, Roy said, "Oh, so you don't like to talk about that?"
"I said, shut up…"
Roy leant over and began to whisper in Edward's ear, "You don't like to hear me tell you how sexy you sound when I'm running my tongue across your skin?" The boy shivered. "You don't like it when I tell you that the look you give me when I pull my lips from yours is absolutely beautiful?" Roy put his lips on Edward's neck, and breathed, "You don't like it when I say that every time you moan, I just want to forget the rules and fuck you blind?"
"Roy-" Edward gasped, turning and pushing him away. "Roy, stop…"
Reluctantly, Roy pulled away and leaned back against the couch. He'd almost lost it there… This kid just made him lose all sense of reason. But then, he was only doing this to humor Ed. It's not like he really felt anything other than lust for the boy… That was just impossible. "So, back to what you were saying…"
"Right," Ed continued, still thoroughly flushed from Roy's previous actions, "I just thought we should spend real time together…"
Dinner and a movie at his place, eh? There was no real harm in it, was there? It's not like anyone would know… Why not? "I guess that's fine…"
"I mean, if you don't want to- We don't have to- If you'd rather not-"
"No," Roy said adamantly. "Let's do it. This Friday after school, alright?"
Edward smiled.
-.-.-
Alphonse lay on his bed peacefully. Everything was so different with Edward still at school. His homework was already finished and tucked neatly into his backpack, whereas if Ed were here, he'd probably still be on the first page. He just would never let Al concentrate, no many how many times Al politely asked him to. He didn't have to worry about fighting Ed for first shower (Ed always used up all the hot water) and had already taken one. And best of all, Edward wasn't here to turn everything into a complete pigsty! Tidying the room up had been so simple without Ed around to throw his belongings everywhere!
So now he lay, already finished with everything that needed to be done. And it wasn't even 5:00… He'd have to tell Edward to stay with the Headmaster more often… Alphonse closed his eyes and was just about to drift off to sleep when the door opened with a slam, startling him to consciousness.
"AL!"
Al rubbed his eyes and looked up at his brother. "Brother, when will you remember to tie your hair back up after staying with him…" he said sleepily.
"Al, this is no time for your nagging!"
Slightly alarmed, Al replied, "Why? What's wrong?"
"I can't do this! It was a stupid idea! What was I thinking? No, I wasn't thinking. Ah, I'm such an idiot!" Edward was pacing back and forth across the room.
"What did you do?" Al relaxed. Nothing life threatening, just something with the headmaster if he was reading Ed right, which he usually did.
"I-" Ed colored. "I asked if I could go over to his place…"
Al sat up, terrified. "Edward! What did I tell you about-"
"NO! That's not it, why does everyone keep thinking that? Am I the only one who's not a pervert around here?"
Relieved, Al asked, "Then why?"
"Just to spend time with him, you know? It always seems like we're not really a couple- just two people that hang out and make out. I mean, I don't even think he really likes me the way I like him." He slumped on his bed looking down at the floor.
Al wanted to comfort him and tell him that of course the headmaster loved him and how could he ever think otherwise, but if there was one thing Al could say about himself it was that he didn't lie. Ever.
He sat down next to Ed and put an arm around his shoulder. "Ed, I don't know if Mustang loves you. I've never even met the man. And really, I can't see why he would. After all you are a male student who is, what, 15 years younger?" Edward visibly sank at his words. "But, I do know this. There's no way you can find out if he likes you if you don't try. If you don't go to this thing- that you suggested by the way- you'll never have a chance with him."
Edward sat and thought. Al could only imagine what went on in his brother's head. There was no way to ever know for sure what he was thinking. Every time Al thought he had Ed figured out he would go and do something totally unexpected.
Ed suddenly sat up and turned to Al with bright eyes. "Al! I've just figured it out! You have to come with me!"
Like that.
"What?"
Ed's hands rose and started to help him talk, as they always did when he was excited. "Yeah, if you come, you can tell me if he likes me or not! You can see how he acts around me and everything! I mean, sure he's a bastard, and he might make fun of you for, uh, I dunno, something, but you can take it, right? Come on, it'll be great!"
"You can't be serious."
Ed's grin faltered. "Why not?"
"Why not? Ed, does the word awkward mean anything to you?"
Edward made a gesture. "Oh, come on, it'll be fine! You just- what?"
Al was staring.
"What?"
"You did it."
"I did what?" Ed sounded positively perplexed.
"The hand-thing. You did the hand-thing."
"What hand thing?"
"You know, the thing with your wrist. This," he made the gesture back at Ed.
Ed looked horrified. "I did not!"
"Oh yes you did! I saw you!"
"I didn't! I do have some masculinity left!"
Al put his head in his hands. "How could I not have noticed you were gay? Am I just an idiot?"
"HEY! I am NOT gay!"
Al blinked down at him. "But you're in love with Mustang. Or is he really a she?"
Ed looked away and blushed. "No, but, I'm not gay. I don't look at other guys… or girls…. Just him. Just Roy."
Al smiled at him. Oh, Ed. "But still, Ed. I can't just go with you to this thing. It would be really awkward if you showed up with your little brother."
"What if… What if you brought someone? Like, a girl? Then it would be like a double date!"
"Ed, I don't have a girlfriend."
"Well, it doesn't really have to be your girlfriend. Just someone to take out and pretend they are your girlfriend for a night. And who knows, maybe it'll be a good thing? Maybe she'll like it and want to go out with you!"
"And maybe she'll hate it and never want to date me."
"Come on, Al. It's not like you to be so pessimistic. It'll work out, please?"
Al looked at his brother's pleading expression. Maybe he was right. Maybe she would like it. And it wouldn't be like a real date or anything, so if it didn't go well, it's not like she would be deterred from ever going out with him. This was a chance. A chance for him to get what he always wanted.
"…Alright. I'll do it."
"YES!"
"But you have to call him and see if it's ok first! Or talk to him at school or something. You have to warn him first, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. But now the more important question- What do I wear?"
Al stared at him, and they both burst out laughing.
Half an hour of preparation and encouragement later found Al standing in front of Winry's door with one hand poised to knock. "DANGER. CONSTRUCTION ZONE," read the yellow sign. He heard mechanical noises from behind the door. Maybe he should just give up and go back to Ed and explain that he couldn't possibly ask Winry out and he really really didn't want to get hit with a wrench. But if he didn't do it now, he'd never be able to.
Knock knock. "Winry?"
He waited a couple of seconds then knocked again, louder. "Winry?" he called out.
The sound of drilling stopped. A disgruntled Winry opened the door. "What?" she snapped. Al cringed. "Oh, hi Al. Sorry, I didn't mean to bark at you like that. I'm just in the middle of a new design for Edward's arm, wanna see? It's really my best work, if I do say so myself!"
"Sure," Al said, nearly stuttering as he said it. He'd never been so nervous in his life. Breathe, Al, you can do this, just breathe.
It had been a while since he'd seen her wearing her work clothes. A red bandana held her hair so it wouldn't get in her way and she wore her baggy white pants as always, but that wasn't what he found himself unconsciously looking at.
He'd never understand why she wore that thing. It could barely even be called a shirt, and she wore it for work? She was working with metal and fire and grease, and she wore what could only be described as a strapless bra. Part of him wanted to tell her that it was dangerous and to put on a real shirt immediately. But… She just looked so… He shook his head. Bad thoughts, bad thoughts!
"Um… Al? You alive in there?"
"Oh, ah, sorry, just was spacing. So! Yeah! I'd love to see your new automail."
She grinned at him. "Well, come on in!"
He entered the room and sat down on her bed. She ran to her desk and grabbed the arm. "Isn't it fabulous?" She proceeded to give him the particulars of her mechanics. Al just smiled and told her it sounded wonderful after she had finished. You'd think that after all this time living with Winry he'd learn a thing or two about mechanics. Sometimes, he wished he would, so he and Winry would have more to talk about, but it seemed he had no aptitude for that sort of thing.
"So, Al," she said, sitting down on the bed next to him. "What's up? You don't usually come in here."
He heard his heart beat louder and faster and for a split second was terrified that she would hear it too. He swallowed, attempting to calm himself. He could do this, he could do this…
"Well, you know about Ed and the Headmaster?"
She chuckled at that. "I know, isn't it a riot? And here we thought he was never gonna get anyone. One of the few times you've ever been wrong, Al. So, they're going out now, right?"
"Well," Al said. Just be calm and collected. And don't look down. "Sort of. Anyway, it's their first date soon. They're having it at Roy's house because, you know they can't have it in public and everything."
"But they're doing it anyway? How romantic! I wish I had a boyfriend that devoted to me…"
She looked up at Al, who promptly broke out in a nervous sweat. "S-so," Al said, looking anywhere but Winry. Oh god, did he just stutter? "Ed is really anxious about the whole thing and he wants me to be there with him, for moral support and stuff like that, but that would be really weird right, and I'd be like a third wheel and everything, so we- I was thinking… it'd be better if someone else was there with me, you know to… help," he finished lamely. Yes, very smooth Alphonse. Brilliant way to ask the girl of your dreams on a date. She's probably fallen madly in love with you just by hearing your eloquent-
"I'd love to!"
Al was dumbstruck. "You would?"
"Yeah! I'd like to really meet Ed's new boyfriend, and it'll be great cheering him on! And this way, you won't have to be alone! When is it?"
"Friday night."
"Oh," she looked disappointed. "This Friday?" Al nodded. "Sorry, Al, I can't. I promised I'd go out with the girls Friday. Mellie's been upset that I haven't been talking to them as much since we don't have many classes together this year, and well, she'd get really mad if I cancelled. I'm really sorry." She looked it too.
"Ah, it's ok," Al said, trying to act nonchalant. "No biggie. Well, I'd better go make dinner, I'll call you when it's ready."
He left quickly and went back to his room.
"So, how'd it go?" Ed asked excitedly. Seeing his brother's expression, he changed his tone. "Oh… what happened?"
"She's busy…."
"Well, that's not your fault, it's not like she didn't want to go, right?"
"I don't know… I don't think she realized I was asking her out."
Ed put a hand to his forehead. "Sorry, Al… But, now what do we do? Do you have someone else you could ask? How about Mellie?"
"She's why Winry's busy- They're going out."
Ed looked shocked. "What?"
It took Al a second to realize why Ed looked so stunned. "Not like that, idiot, like to the mall or something! Sheesh."
"Oh. Well… How about Paninya?"
"She'll probably be with Winry."
"Martel?"
"Also with Winry."
"Well, damn. Uh… Rose?"
Al looked horrified. "She has a boyfriend!"
"Well, I'm running out of ideas! … Catherine?"
Al snorted. "Oh, yeah, that'd go over well. Hey Catherine, want to come with me to a double date with a couple of gay men? She'd faint!"
"Hmm… you're probably right." They sat and thought for a minute or so, before Ed came up with another of his brilliant beyond brilliant ideas.
"Well, you know… It doesn't have to be a girl."
Al slowly lifted his head to look at his older brother. "Edward… Are you thinking what I think your thinking? Because, if so, forget it!"
"But Al-"
"No! Ed, I'm not gay! Russell may be, and you may be (sort of), and the headmaster may be, but I am not."
"Come on, Al! It'd only be for a night! Then you could go back to being your normal straight self! Please. I really need you there, Al."
And even though he knew he was probably being manipulated, when Ed gave him that look, he could never say no.
He sighed. "Just for a night?"
Ed grinned. "Just for a night."
"… But who would I take?"
Ed gave him a look. "Um, how about your best friend in the whole world?"
"Fletcher?"
"No, Professor Armstrong. Of course Fletcher!"
"But… what if he thinks I'm gay? I don't want him to get the wrong idea…"
"Just explain the situation, I'm sure he'll understand."
Al bit his lower lip. "I don't know, Ed. What about Russell? What if he finds out?"
"Ah, come on. Don't you trust your best friend?"
"Well, yeah but-"
"It'll be fine, Al. You worry too much."
Maybe he was right. The things he feared rarely came to pass. "Fine… give me the phone."
Surprisingly enough it was easy to convince Fletcher to come with. He said it sounded like fun, and he didn't mind pretending to be gay for a night. He was shocked to hear about Ed and the headmaster though.
"Should I tell my brother?"
"No!" Al had practically shouted. "I mean, no, please don't do that. I mean, it would hurt him…"
"Alright, I guess. But I don't feel right about lying to my brother."
"Just for a little while ok? Ed will probably tell him soon."
Very soon, actually. If, when Al went to this "date" he realized that Mustang loved Ed, he'd get Ed to tell Russell everything. There was no point hiding it if it were mutual love. It would be brought into the open eventually, and the longer the lie, the more hurt there would be. And if there wasn't anything… well, he didn't want to think about that.
-.-.-
"And she got the ice cream all over her face and it was just so cute! And then-"
"Hughes, as fascinating as this all is, I really have to go."
"Aw! But why! I haven't even told you about when she played the piano!" Maes whined.
"…I have a date." Roy said reluctantly. Did he really want Hughes to know that?
"But I thought you weren't going out today?"
"It's at my house this time."
"Ooh, you stud! Who's the lucky lady?"
"…" He didn't have to answer that did he? The whole 'not-being-able-to-lie-to-Hughes' thing really bugged him at times like this.
"…What are you all quiet for, Roy? Come on, who is it?"
"…You remember that kid from my office?"
Hughes gasped. "No! Roy, what did I tell you about-"
"We won't have sex. Edward is too childish for that anyway. It's just because we can't go out in public."
Hughes was silent for a moment. "You mean, you are really going out with someone? You do realize you can't have sex."
"Yeah."
"And that if you get caught, you'll ruin your reputation."
"Yeah."
"And that no woman would probably ever want to sleep with you again."
"…Yeah."
"I don't get it, Roy. Why are you doing it then? I thought you didn't like him!"
"I don't!"
"Oh really?" Maes' voice was dripping in sarcasm. "So you're willing to stake everything for some random kid you can't even have sex with?"
Roy didn't answer. Mostly because he didn't know what to say. Hughes was right. What the hell was he doing? If he didn't even like the kid, why was he even doing this? I mean, sure, the kid was sexy as hell, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't get horny just looking at him with his hair down, but… They couldn't fuck! What was the point?
And yet…
"Roy?"
"… I don't know."
The doorbell rang.
"Sorry, Hughes, I have to go. Edward's here."
"Alright, behave!" Maes sang.
Roy slammed the phone on the receiver. Why didn't he just kill Hughes? Oh, yeah, the whole best friend thing. Damn that.
He went to the mirror and started to smooth down his hair, realized what he was doing, and promptly stopped. Why the hell was he so nervous? He was just doing all of this to humor Edward! That's it! Just to humor him…
He opened the door and started, "He-" He stopped. And stared.
"…"
He should have known something like this would happen.
"…Edward. Can I talk to you for a second?"
One of the two boys standing next to Edward grimaced. "Ed! I told you to warn him!"
Ed turned to the other boy. "I was going to! I just… never got around to it…"
"Ed, I can't believe you!" The boy turned to Roy. "Hello, I'm really sorry about this." He extended his hand and Roy took it. "I'm Alphonse, Ed's brother. That's Fletcher." The other waved shyly. "Ed, go explain this to him. We'll wait here."
What a mature boy. How unlike his brother. Roy pulled Edward inside and shut the door. They stood in the doorway, Roy looking down at Ed while Ed looked intently at the floor.
"Edward."
The boy cringed at the sound of his name.
"Why are your brother and friend here?"
"Um, well, you see, I, uh, thought it would be fun to have a double date!"
Roy raised an eyebrow. "A double date," he said flatly.
"…Yeah?"
Roy sighed. Of all of the crazy things Edward had done, this took the cake. "I thought you wanted this to be a couple thing."
"It is! There are just two couples!"
What had he done to deserve this? Oh right. He agreed to be Edward's boyfriend. Bad move. Well, there wasn't any harm, really. It just… wouldn't be the night he imagined. Not that he had imagined it or anything! He didn't care about tonight at all!
"…Alright, whatever. Do what you want."
Edward's eyes glowed. "Thanks, Roy!"
"Yeah yeah…" Roy opened the door and let the two boys in.
"So, you're Ed's older brother?"
Ed bristled. "HE'S MY YOUNGER BROTHER!"
"What? But he's so much taller than you!" Roy smirked at Ed's more than miffed expression.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT HE GETS MISTAKEN FOR A TWO-YEAR-OLD!"
Alphonse put his hand on his head. "Oh, Edward," Roy heard him mumble. Fletcher was staring incredulously at Ed, as if afraid he was going to blow up or something.
Roy's eyes widened. "Huh? Where did Edward go? I can't see him now that that ant walked in front of him."
Ed shrieked indignantly and shouted, "WHY ARE YOU SUCH A FUCKING ASSHOLE?"
"Why not?" Roy shrugged nonchalantly. "I have nothing better to do." He was about to say something else, when he noticed Alphonse looking at him, as if calculating something.
The look disappeared as soon as he noticed it, causing him to wonder if it were ever there at all. "So, Headmaster, why don't we eat dinner? Is it ready yet?" Alphonse asked.
Alphonse was pretty impressive, being so calm in the face of his superior. The same thing certainly couldn't be said for Fletcher, who looked utterly terrified. Wait a minute, did he say dinner? Oh, shit. "Well, since somebody 'forgot' to tell me about you two, I only have enough food ready for Edward and I."
Ed burst out, "You cooked?"
Roy rolled his eyes. "Oh please. Do I look like I can cook to you? I ordered pizza."
Al's thoughtful look returned, vanishing once again almost immediately. "How many did you order?"
"Two."
Fletcher finally spoke up, "You ordered two pizzas for two people?"
"This is Edward we're talking about."
"Oh yeah."
"HEY! I don't eat that much!"
All three gave him a collective Look.
"Oh shut up, all of you."
"Well," Alphonse said, "if we can somehow prevent Ed from eating two much, it'll be fine. Where's your dining room?"
"Of course, right this way," he said politely. He led them into the room. He got the distinct impression that Edward was still glaring at him from behind his back, but he paid it no mind. It was nothing new, after all. He rather pitied the poor boy that Alphonse had brought with him- he looked like he was about to have a heart attack. Roy smirked. He probably was so nervous at being in his presence. After all, he was the god-like Roy Mustang.
Roy pulled out two more chairs from a back room and they all sat and ate. Alphonse had devised an ingenious system where he had the pizza boxes next to him on the opposite side of Edward. When Edward finished a piece, he'd give him a new one. There was pleasant chitchat for a while, then it happened.
"Al, give me another."
Alphonse didn't look up from his piece. "No."
Edward blinked. "What?"
Alphonse put his pizza down and looked at Ed. "I said, no, Ed. You've already had four pieces."
"Yeah! Only four!"
"Ed," Fletcher said, "I'm going to have to go with Al on this one. If you eat anymore, there won't be any more for us."
"Come on, there's still plenty left! Isn't there, Al?""
"There are three more. They are big pieces you know."
"But… but…"
"Edward," Roy said, "Were you anyone else, I'd say you're a growing boy and need your food. But I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon." He stopped and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Or ever."
Ed looked like he was about to yell something, but Alphonse put his hand on his shoulder, effectively calming Edward down enough to content himself with a glare like a thousand daggers.
"Why, thank you Alphonse."
Something inside of Ed snapped. "You know what! This whole time you keep making fun of me, but you've never said a single bad thing about Al! Or Fletcher! Or even the pizza! Why the FUCK is it always ME!"
"Because it's just so damn much fun." Roy replied without hesitation.
Edward screamed in frustration.
"And it's so easy." he added as an afterthought.
-.-.-
That bastard, that fucking bastard. Here I go, and suggest this stupid thing, and all he does is sit there and make fun of me? The next time Al goes to the bathroom, I'm just gonna punch his fucking lights out…
Edward sat there grumbling throughout the rest of the dinner while Roy and Al talked. Fletcher added in the occasional comment and seemed to be slowly getting used to the presence of the headmaster with each bite he took from the pizza that should have been Edward's.
Then it came time to watch the movie. Roy said he had nothing picked out, and that they could decide amongst themselves what to watch. He brought them to the living room and Ed gaped.
"How the FUCK are you so goddamn RICH? You're a headmaster!"
There was a ridiculously large plasma screen TV in the room, along with several shelves of DVDs and a long leather couch. Lining the walls were several paintings and sculptures- mostly abstract. Ed felt slightly overwhelmed.
Roy shrugged. "I have my ways."
After much bickering between Ed and Al (Fletcher mostly just agreed with whatever Al said), they finally decided on a movie. Al popped the movie in, and they both sat on the couch in-between Roy and Fletcher. Even though Ed was peeved at Roy, he still wasn't about to miss the opportunity to sit next to him during the movie. He leaned his head against Roy's upper arm (because he couldn't reach his shoulder) and waited for the movie to start.
The music started and Roy said disbelievingly, "You must be joking. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone? What are you, ten?"
Ed scowled up at him.
"Just because a lot of children like it doesn't mean only for them," Al pointed out.
"Yeah!" Fletcher agreed.
Roy looked down at him, and Ed glared back as if daring him to make a further comment. "Alright, whatever."
Ed smiled and snuggled deeper into Roy's arm. Some time in, the arm moved and wrapped around Ed's shoulders. The movie suddenly became unimportant as Ed felt Roy's warmth enclosing him. He would have liked nothing better than to lean up and kiss Roy right then and there, but Al and Fletch were still there. So he contented himself with leaning even deeper into Roy. This was real happiness.
Had he been looking, he would have seen Al's small smile as he glanced over at the couple.
-.-.-
'Well, that was fun!' Fletcher thought to himself as he walked up to his house. And it had been, even if it was really weird at first. It was the Headmaster! And Edward kept swearing and yelling at him like it was no big deal! But, Fletcher guessed you could do that if you were dating. Which still was rather bizarre. Ed and the Headmaster? Who would have guessed it? And hanging out with Al had been really great, even though he was pretending to be his boyfriend. He didn't think he was really gay, but he didn't really care about faking it. What really freaked him out was when the Headmaster kissed Ed goodnight. Al and him were still there and there they were kissing! And there was tongue too! Sheesh! Some people.
He opened the door and called out, "I'm home!"
His brother stuck his head out from the kitchen. "Hey, Fletch! Where were you? Out with Al?"
"Yeah, we were on a double date with Ed and the Headmaster. Well, actually me and Al were just pretending but Ed really…." He trailed off, wondering why Russell looked so shocked. It suddenly hit him.
He brought his hands to his mouth, preventing himself from saying anything else.
Russell laughed nervously. "You… You're kidding right? Or did I just hear you wrong?"
Fletcher shook his head and ran from the room. How could he have been so stupid? He let Al down… He heard the front door open and slam shut. What had he done?
-.-.-
"So?" Ed asked excitedly the second they closed the door to their room. "What d'you think?"
"Well," Al started, "There's good news and bad news. Good news first." He paused, almost enjoying making Ed wait. "I'm pretty sure he likes you."
Ed lit up. "Really? You mean it?"
Al nodded.
"YES!" Ed flopped down on his bed, smiling widely. "How do you know?"
"Well, first your 'arguments'? They're more like mini lover's spats. I mean, he insults you, you spaz, he insults you again, you blow up at him… Really I think he just enjoys seeing you so worked up. And truth be told, Ed, I think you like it too, no matter what you say. Next, there was the whole pizza thing. It was almost like he was trying to be not romantic. I mean, I got the impression that Mustang was a really classy guy, and yet he ordered pizza? I think he was doing that so you would think he didn't like you. And finally, the thing that really made it obvious was during the movie when he put his arm around you.
Ed blushed. "You saw that?"
"Yeah, and it looked really genuine. He likes you."
Ed lay there smiling, and then sat up with a worried look on his face. "Oh, but what about the bad news?"
"…I don't think he knows he likes you."
"…What?"
"I think… he's in denial. He likes you, but won't admit it to himself."
Edward got a determined gleam in his eye. "Well, then I'll make him realize!"
Al laughed.
"You know what, Al? I'm gonna go stargaze!"
Al looked at him curiously. "Why?"
Ed shrugged and grinned. "I feel like it."
Al looked at his watch. "Alright, but be back before ten."
Edward now lay on the grass, goggling at the sheer amount of stars. He hadn't done this in so long, he had forgotten what it was like. He immediately spotted Ursa Major and from there found Polaris. The star that always pointed north, no matter what.
Roy really liked him. Al had said so, and so it was definite. He sighed pleasantly and breathed in the night air. Even if Roy had teased him mercilessly, this day had definitely been worth it. It was as close to perfect as Ed was going to get.
He heard running footsteps and sat up, looking for the source. Someone was running on the sidewalk. It took a couple of seconds for him to come close enough for Ed to see his face, and when he did Ed was shocked.
"Russell? What are you doing here?"
Russ panted for a second, catching his breath.
"Russ, did you run all the way here?" Ed said, slightly alarmed.
Russ nodded, still struggling to breathe.
"Wha!" Ed jumped to his feet. "Are you ok? Did something happen? Do you want me to go get you some water?" He was just about to do so, when Russell caught hold of his sleeve.
"No…" he panted. "I'm fine…" After a few more seconds he said, "Ed… you'd tell me if something were happening, right? You wouldn't lie to me, right?"
He wasn't talking about- No he couldn't possibly know about Roy and him. It was probably something else, no sense in worrying. "Of course, Russ," he said slowly. "What's this all about?"
Russ gave him a pained look. "You positive? If there were something important, you wouldn't hide it from me?"
Oh god, please don't let him know about us. He wanted to just tell Russ so badly, but… Al made him promise… "No…"
Russ quickly looked away from Edward. "Ed…" he paused. "Where were you tonight?"
Ed was silent.
"…I see. So it's true."
He cringed.
"You really are… dating the headmaster."
"Russ I'm sorry… I wanted to tell you, it's just that Al told me-"
"Al told you?"
Russell's voice was getting louder. Angrier. "Al told you?
I'm supposed to be your fucking best friend, not Al! What was his
reason, that I'd be hurt? That I'd be so sad to see you with
someone else, so it was better to just lie to me and say nothing was
happening? Christ! I thought you'd been acting weird lately, it's
great to finally know why!"
Ed tried to reach out to Russ, to
comfort him, to explain to him-
Russell pushed his arm away. "No! Don't try to make it all better with your words! I don't need more lies, Edward. I need the fucking truth. So tell, me, Ed, how long has this been going on? When did this all start?"
When Ed didn't answer right away, Russ yelled angrily, "When!"
"…Almost two months… But Russ, I-"
"Do you love him?"
"Russ-"
"Answer the question!"
Edward nodded reluctantly. "Yeah…" This wasn't supposed to happen, he wasn't supposed to hurt Russ like this. He was his best friend!
"One more question."
"Please, Russell, just let me-"
"One more! Then you can go back to your dreams about your boyfriend." He spat the word. "Is he really that much better than me?"
Ed's eyes filled with tears.
"Can he really win your heart so fucking easily? I have spent five years, no, my whole life trying to get you to fall in love with you, and he just… He just waltzes in here and you love him… Just like that… Why? Am I really… just that easy to push aside? Am I… nothing? Am I really just… that terrible? And… it wouldn't have been so painful if you… if you had just told me…"
He couldn't hold it anymore. Tears poured down Edward's cheeks and he choked on a sob.
Russell laughed bitterly. "You're crying? You're crying? I… I'm the one who should be crying." Russ took one last look at the pathetic sight of Edward and walked away.
Edward crumpled to the ground and let the tears flow.
-TBC-
Holy shit. 6619 words.
That's the most I have ever written in one chapter. I'm stunned.
I guess I truly am just amazing –wink- And SINCE I worked my butt
off, you all BETTER review!
So… comments on this chapter. I
can't believe I wrote Al's POV so LONG! I really didn't mean
to! It just sort of… happened. The date was also unexpected- I
really didn't have much planned for that, just that it would
happen. –sweatdrop- AND hey! I got the Philosopher's Stone in
there! XD
And then… I ruined Russell's life. ;; I didn't want to… Ok, I did. I'm sick and twisted and I really wanted to write some angst. But… poor Russ. –tear- I know what he's going through… A similar, but not quite as bad, thing happened to me once… -sigh- I'm sorry Russ!
REVIEW! And since you all responded better to the threatening than the pleading, I'm going to have to be mean. Sorry At least… um… More than chapter five! That was what, seventy-some? So please! REVIEW!
