A/N: I know it's been a while since I've posted a new chapter, but a lot has happened in the past few months. I've recently moved for college, so please bear with me. I hope this chapter will make up for my absence. Enjoy!
Chapter Six
Hours passed and the sunlight began to make its appearance to signify morning. The town below began to hustle and bustle with people making their way to and from work and other areas of interest. Everyone in the elder man's apartment was still sounds asleep, all but him that is. He let out a loud yawn, taking a large sip of his coffee. He didn't normally smoke, but he found a half emptied box that Jean left the other day from his visit. Finding a nearby lighter he normally used for candle lighting, he lite the cigarette and inhaled deeply.
'These things are disgusting…' He thought as he took another hit. 'Oh well…Calms the nerves I suppose.' He proceeded in trying to find something to eat for breakfast. After searching both cabinets and fridge, he made a mental note to go grocery shopping later. Who knows? Maybe he would get frisky and make them all dinner.
"Colonel Mustang?"
He turned in the direction of his name, shocked to see none other than the young automail mechanic. She rubbed her eyes sluggishly; blonde curls in a cute mess. She wore a long pink shirt that barely covered her bottom. It was rather adorable now that he took a good look.
"Good morning." He replied, letting out the cigarette in his hand. "What are you doing up so early? Or do you always find yourself up and about this time?"
The young girl took a seat at the kitchen table, crossing her legs with another yawn. "I always get up early." She said pulling back her hair into a ponytail. "What about you?" She smiled.
"Same." He poured himself another cup of coffee.
An awkward silence arose between them. In an attempt to break the mood, the elder man commented. "I suppose Edward and Alphonse wake up on the late side?" He asked. Of all the things he could have asked about, it had to be about Edward. He just couldn't let him go. His attention was always directed back to the young boy. He let out a sigh at his frustration.
"Yeah…I've always woken up before them…" She then began to look at the elder man, this time, truly looking at him. He seemed distant, tired, thoughtful even. Even though he was up this early, he appeared to have suffered through hours of missed sleep. "Colonel?" She asked. "Are you alright? You don't look so well…"
The man smiled at her sympathy. "I'm fine." He let out another quiet sigh, deciding that the grocery shopping wasn't going to do itself. "I should probably get going. This house has just about anything and everything but food." He chuckled. He rose to stand, only to be caught by the young girl's grasp.
"I can do the shopping, Colonel. It's the least I can do for staying here."
He blinked in thought, coming to the conclusion that taking her up on the offer might not be so bad. He did after all have to speak with Edward furthermore about their assignment when he woke up. "If you really don't mind." He replied smoothly. "I'd really appreciate that." He grinned, showing a flash gratitude.
A few hours passed, and the only person still awake was the Mustang himself. He remained clothed in his robe, still sipping away on his fifth cup of coffee. Staring out the window, he let his arm fall asleep from the pressure of his skull. Before long a door in the distance was opened, only to reveal the FullMetal Alchemist.
"Good morning." He said through a yawn as he scurried about the kitchen. "What? We still don't have anything to eat?" He slammed the cabinet door a little louder than necessary. "Don't you think it would be a good idea to get some food around here? Especially with company!" He sighed and chugged a cup of joe himself. "And where's Winry?"
Mustang remained quiet, staring out the window contently.
"Hello?" Edward waved his hand in front of the man's face, antagonizing the situation even further. After a few seconds the elder man reached up his hand, clasping his grip around the boy's wrist.
"Winry's out grocery shopping right now. And before you bitch at me for being lazy, she asked to do it." He gave the boy an evil glare before letting loose of his hand.
The younger only gave him the evil eye right back, spitting out a curse before walking back into his room. Pretty soon, both the Elrics were out of hiding and fully dressed in the living room with him once more. "Good morning, Colonel." Stated the younger brother with an innocent grin. "Did you sleep well?"
The man passed him a glance as if he were staring at a blank wall. "Hardly."
The young Elric frowned while peering down, wondering if maybe he did something to annoy the man. He and Winry did barge in without any notice. "I-I'm really sorry about not giving you a heads up." He began. "Winry forgot about making a hotel reservation so…"
"It's alright." He said expressionlessly. "No need to worry about that." He turned his attention to Edward, strict business written all over his face. "Edward. I need to talk to you more about our assignment." He glanced over at Alphonse. "Privately."
The young Elric jumped at the comment, causing Edward to bare his teeth. "Anything that can be said to me can be said in front of Al too!"
"I beg to differ." He replied coolly. "Alphonse is nothing but another civilian in the eyes of the military, and civilians have no business in the affairs of our assignments." He gave the elder brother a stern look. "You read the handbook before becoming a State Alchemist, did you not?"
Edward gritted his teeth, taking Alphonse under his wing. "Come on, Al. We'll only be a second." After taking the young boy back to their room, he slouched himself back down onto the sofa. "Spill it." He said in a demanding tone.
The man ignored his attitude and proceeded. "You're going to be working under the supervision of Hughes for this assignment. He's already been researching the actions of both the Homunculi and the man known as 'Scar'. We don't have too many leads as of yet, but we did identify the killer of the State Alchemists. His real identity is a mystery. All we know is that he has a large scar on his forehead. Your job is to assist Hughes and find out more about the Homunculi and their plans, as well as about Scar. Do you understand?"
"Whaaa? You mean I have to be stuck with the guy who has an overly exaggerated daughter complex? But why? I should be out there helping you guys! That's what I was trained for! Not some behind the desk job!" He slammed his fist on the coffee table before him. "Let me help, goddammit!"
The man let out a sigh, picking himself up from the sofa. "I've already told you about this Edward, and I don't like repeating myself. You will be helping us, from behind the curtains. It will be through you and Hughes that we succeed in this mission. It's already been decided, and nothing or no one ever changes my command." He gave the boy a harsh glare. "You should know that by now."
An awkward silence arose between them. Edward continued to look up into the man's dark gaze, Mustang continuing to hold his control. "You should know damn well why you're working behind us. It's because I care about you. I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened." His eyes still held their meaning, although lightning a little with emotion.
The Elric's lower lip quivered. Why did it have to be like this? He was trained for this job. He earned his title of State Alchemist, and yet he was working as if he was some secretary. All because the Colonel wanted to protect him. Why did he care so much anyway? Wasn't he just another one of his pawns to earn him the title of Führer? Why did he always pour so much sympathy on him? Did he want to be his father? No, it was something more than that. He loved him. That was it. Everything made since now. His overly used expressions of safety and care. The way he always stayed up for him when he came home late. The way he would always find him stealing glances. He loved him. Well, he for one had news for him.
"You love me, don't you?" He asked blankly, looking deep into the man's eyes. "That's it, isn't it? You love me?" He busted out into laughter, tears almost rolling down his cheeks. "Oh my God! How priceless!" He leaned his head back and continued to bawl. "You? Love me? What a joke!"
Mustang remained standing, eyes peering down as a light blush played upon his cheeks.
"It's true, isn't it?" He asked once more, taking note of the changed expression. "Look! You're blushing and everything!" He continued on with his laughter. "Whew! Damn Colonel, I knew you were a funny man, but this!" He wiped the tears from his eyes.
Mustang's hands bawled into fist, shaking to hide back his tears.
"Let me tell you something, Mustang." He began by crossing his legs. "You and me could never be…like that. Number one, you're way too old. Two, I fucking hate you!" He laughed. "And three, I already have someone."
The words caused a shock of pain to enter his heart, ceasing his ability to breathe. It was so embarrassing. How did he figure it out? Was it really that obvious? Now he stood there like an exposed fool, having all his secrets read out before him. And not only that, but by the person he cared about more than anything in this world, the one he loved. He swallowed hard, searching for any courage left in him to speak. "Edward…I…"
"You what? Love me?" He chuckled. "Don't kid yourself. I could never love you." He burst into laughter again. "So what? You tried to win me over with the Father act? How courageous of you! Let me tell you something, Mustang. I fucking hate my Father, even more than I hate you. What makes you think I would love someone that tries to act like him?"
"T-that's not it…" He stuttered.
Nothing in the world was more astonishing than this moment. He felt as though his manhood had been stripped before him. He had nothing left to show. Edward knew everything. He knew the kid was smart, but this…Did he really put himself out that much? Was he really such a pathetic individual? His years of love, all shattered before his eyes. He knew he didn't have a chance to begin with, but this confirmed it. He hated him. Not only that, he laughed at his feelings. Shoved them in the dirt as if they were meaningless to him. He was stripped of his pride, his dignity, and most of all, his hope of finding that one person to actually love him for him.
"Are you done?" He finally asked. Building up the little bit of pride he had left in him for his finishing touch. "I do love you, Edward. I love you more than you'll ever understand. Go ahead and laugh, I don't care. At least now I won't have to keep it a secret from you anymore. Just know that I didn't play any sort of act to win you over." He gave him a tear filled glance. "I really do care about you, Edward. I still do. Nothing will ever change that. You can laugh at me all you want, but at least know that I do care about you and wish for your happiness. Even if it's not with me." He turned to make his leave. It was getting late, and they both needed to be heading into Central office. "I'll meet you at work. We'll discuss your position more with Hughes in your office." He then closed his door, leaving Edward sitting in a hollowed stare.
