Warning: Look for this x*x*x*x*x if you want to skip the yaoi parts of the story. :)
Chapter 9
Envy decided to let Alfons sleep a little longer than an hour. If he slept longer, he obviously needed it. So Envy grabbed one of his books and sat on the couch and read. Two hours went and Alfons was still soundly asleep, his covers pulled up all the way up to his nose. He didn't seem to be waking up any time soon. Envy read until his stomach started to growl, and then went off to the kitchen to make himself and Alfons some stew. He would wake him for dinner, since he had to eat, Envy said so.
After a while Alfons began shifting and turning occasionally, his face scrunched up like he was having a bad dream. Envy came in with two bowls, might as well eat together again, but he saw the expression on Alfons' face. He set the bowls down and then placed his hand on his shoulder. "Oi," he called shaking him lightly. "Wake up!"
Alfons' eyes shot up abruptly, his breath coming out a bit faster than normal, like he'd been running. Slowly he managed to focus up on Envy, his heart racing inside his chest. "Envy..."
Envy looked at him a bit wide eyed. "What's wrong?" he asked. Had Alfons had a nightmare? He wasn't sure, but even then, Envy didn't like that.
Alfons sat up, rubbing his damp forehead with his sleeve. "It's nothing. Just a bad dream." He smiled mildly. "Nothing to worry about."
Envy frowned, but he sat on the bed next to him, grabbing the bowls and offering one over to Alfons. "A bad dream about what?"
Alfons brightened up a little as he saw the bowl of stew. "Thanks, it smells nice." He sighed softly. "I was... sicker. I was afraid of dying." He didn't want to go into details about choking and drowning in his own blood to Envy. Envy would just overreact. He frowned a little and kept his gaze locked on his food. Though maybe the dream had made some of his deep scares surface some more. He didn't want to die. He was afraid of dying. That meant dying from Envy, and that would make Envy sad.
Envy nodded slowly. "Ah," he said, looking down at his own food. "That is a bad dream," he said lowly.
Alfons ate slowly, falling silent for a moment. It was terrifying to think about it, but until now he had just tried not to. It could be hard sometimes, but he couldn't let these thoughts make him depressed. That would affect Envy as well. He had to keep his spirits up, for his sake! Therefore he smiled at him again. "Your stew is amazing."
Envy nodded. "It's not bad," he said, but he appreciated the compliment. "Make sure you eat all of it. You're still skinny," he added, shoving the food in his mouth.
"I'll do my best!" Alfons said, still smiling, and happily continued to eat.
Envy nodded and ate his own stew, Alfons was way too cheerful, but, Envy supposed he wouldn't be Alfons if he were any different.
Alfons was full before he had finished his bowl, but he ate the rest anyway until it was empty since that would make Envy happy. "There, all done."
Envy's lips twitched in a pleased way at the empty bowl, he finished his own and grabbed both bowls and started out of the bed but then he turned to Alfons, kissed him quickly, and then left to go put the dirty dishes away.
Alfons laughed a little as Envy turned to kiss him. It was like they've been together for a lot longer than they actually had. He rested back against the headboard, feeling very lucky to have someone like him.
Envy came back in carrying one of Alfons' books he handed it over and then sat down, having one of his own books. "Since you've been a good boy, you can read," he said sticking his tongue out.
Alfons chuckled again and happily accepted the book, immediately opening it to read. He'd missed reading. "Thanks, that's very kind of you."
Envy flushed. 'Kind', that was so not a word ever used to describe him, and yet Alfons just threw it around like it was no big deal. Sheesh. Envy wiggled into the pillows and started reading his own book. He was starting to like some of these. "The Hobbit" was particularly interesting.
Alfons cast a glance on Envy and what he was reading, smiling. He'd never thought Envy was into fantasy novels, it looked like he was widening his horizons within literature and that was a good sign. If Edward knew, he'd be surprised. Alfons buried himself into the content of it his own book. He had so many books about rockets and space, but he'd never get tired of reading about it. Occasionally he would cast another glance at Envy. He seemed to be completely engulfed into the book. He was glad Envy had found two things he really liked to do – reading and cooking.
"What do you think of the book?" Alfons asked.
Envy was at a rather intense part about spiders so he jumped when Alfons spoke. "Huh?" he said smartly, and then got the question. "Oh, it's good, I think it's really interesting. 'Hobbits' and 'dwarves' and 'wizards', it's all rather magical isn't it?" he hummed.
"Yeah, exactly. I didn't think you liked all the 'hocus pocus'," Alfons said in a teasing tone.
"It's not hocus pocus, it's like a whole new world which means it could be real, like my world and alchemy," Envy said, shrugging. "You never know, maybe Middle Earth is a real place and this guy, Tolkien, came from it! I could write a book!" he said thoughtfully.
Alfons guessed Envy had a point. Tolkien's world still sounded a bit less probable though. The thought of Envy writing a book amused him. "Maybe you should. What would your book be about?"
"My world, I guess. Alchemy and trying to take over the world to turn everyone into a Philosopher's stone, I suppose," he said easily, that's what he knew about so might as well.
"Turn everyone into... a stone?" Alfons said, looking strangely at him. Then he laughed out loud. "Well, that would probably be original at least."
Envy glanced at him and opened his mouth to correct him but then rolled his eyes and decided against it. "Yep, that's what I'm all about," he said instead, then he smirked. "I could turn you to stone too... you know," he said leering, pervertedly.
Alfons chuckled, oblivious to the other meaning behind that sentence. "You're in the wrong world now, Envy. Magic doesn't work here."
Envy snorted. "Oh... I have some magic I can work, I can show you," he said. Alfons was beyond innocent.
"Hm?" Alfons said, looking up from his book again. "You can?" He wasn't sure what Envy was talking about. Magic tricks weren't really rare though, it wasn't impossible that Envy could do one, for example with cards.
"I have magic hands," Envy said with a smirk, and put his book aside. "I'd be willing to share," he purred, grabbing Alfons' book as well and putting it away.
Alfons blinked as the book was taken from him and looked a bit confused at first, before starting to get a small idea what Envy had actually been referring to. There was something about the tone in Envy's voice which gave him the little hint. "Oh really?" he asked, a bit challenging.
"Really," he said grinning and then moving a bit closer, his hand set down on Alfons' thigh and waited.
Alfons watched him carefully, his heart starting race a bit faster. "What is your big secret?" he asked, smiling.
Envy couldn't tell if Alfons was finally catching on, or if he really was that oblivious, either way he shrugged and then leaned over and captured Alfons' lips. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret," he purred.
"Aw, but I'm curious." Alfons returned the kiss sweetly, placing a hand on Envy's neck.
"Well, that was the point of telling you," Envy snickered and then pushed forward to connect their lips more fiercely, his hand moved from Alfons' thigh to his chest, gripping his shirt tightly.
Alfons was pushed back on the pillow so he was closer to lying down that sitting now. But he didn't mind that at all. He wrapped his arms around Envy's neck and pulled him closer, welcoming the deep kiss.
x*x*x*x*x
Envy was okay with this closer thing, he liked it a lot. It was like when they slept, he curled against Alfons, which was nice. But this was better because now his hands could wander while his lips were preoccupied with Alfons'. Alfons loved the exploring way Envy touched him. His hands were both firm and warm at the same time, and his long blonde hair tickled his cheeks as they kissed.
Envy's hands liked moving over Alfons, worming beneath the fabric of his shirt, because even though Alfons was pretty skinny, Envy didn't really care. He wasn't all that buff himself, and even though Alfons had a few spots here and there that were probably from chemical spills, he liked touching the smooth skin that broke into goosebumps. Envy found it inherently amusing when he would touch the other male's chest and it was covered in gooseflesh. It made his lips grin as they kissed, which may have made it a bit harder to kiss, but hey, at least he was enjoying himself.
Alfons shivered slightly from the goosebumps trailing across his skin. Every touch had a small effect on him, and he broke the kiss softly to gasp and get some air. He had never been touched like this before. He wasn't used to closeness to other people, despite that he liked physical contact with people. He had just lived alone for a very long time, and lately he'd gotten used to the thought that he would never have the time to experience a relationship. Until last night. Still, now everything felt so overwhelming. In a good way.
Envy used the gasp as incentive, his hands moved to the buttons of Alfons' shirt, swiftly undoing them and pulling it open. His hands now had room to roam freely on Alfons' bare chest, and ran his fingers over the warm flesh and brushed his nipples, feeling the small nubs harden under his touch. Envy grinned. His mouth moved from Alfons' lips, trailing along his jaw and neck to suck along his collar bone, he may just leave a few presents if he felt like it.
Something tickled deep inside Alfons' stomach as Envy touched him like that. All of this was exciting him and he felt it inside his groin too. It was embarrassing, but not as much as the first time. He gasped again, in mild surprise this time, as Envy began sucking on his collarbone. He had never imagined it would feel like that... He began working on Envy's shirt as well, wanting to see more of him and feeling his flesh.
Envy jumped a little at the fingers on his own shirt, and then, oh right, he supposed that was only fair. He pulled back for a moment, only to shrug the shirt off and then he leaned forward and captured Alfons' lips again, pushing his tongue past the other male's lips and taking his mouth just like he wanted.
Alfons' shirt was still clinging to his shoulders thanks to his suspenders, but he had more important things to care about. Like how nice Envy looked without a shirt, and the aggressive way he was kissing him. A soft moan escalated from Alfons' throat as he ran his tongue against Envy's.
Envy's chin moved up to make the kiss deeper, his tongue enjoyed when Alfons' came out to play. He persuaded it into his own mouth and sucked it lightly. His hands were back on Alfons' chest pushing his shirt and suspenders down his arms. He leaned forward and pushed their chests together, so it was flesh on flesh and they could feel each other's heartbeats.
Alfons made a soft sound into the hot kiss, his hands moving up and down Envy's bare back. His skin was so warm, and he felt a strong loving connection to him, even more than before, the moment he felt Envy's heartbeat against his own. "Envy..." he murmured softly.
Envy moaned quietly, his whole body shivered from the way Alfons' said his name... He was going to lose it, there was so much in his voice as he said those two syllables, his name. He pushed forward, wrapping his arms around the other male, he was still so skinny, it was a bit worrying, but right now he wasn't focused on that, he wanted to make Alfons say his name again.
Alfons couldn't take it anymore. His body was on fire and it wanted more. He arched his body up against Envy's as he pushed forward and ground their hips together. "Nh."
"A-Ah!" Envy cried out in surprise pleasure, and then he groaned and pressed his hips back. "Shit... Alfons..." he was close to whining, he hadn't been ready for that yet, but he wasn't going to say no.
"S-Sorry," Alfons breathed, even if Envy crying out in surprise had felt like a victory. Envy was always the one with the surprises. He smiled an innocent smile. "I'm getting a bit excited."
Envy groaned his lips against Alfons' throat. "Good," he mumbled and then pressed his hips back roughly. "Don't go too fast though, sparky," he growled. "This ain't a rocket." He then opened his mouth over his flesh and sucked hard on his throat.
Alfons let out a mix of a gasp and a moan and arched his head back and his hips against Envy's. His cheeks felt really warm, he was probably flushing red in the face. No, he wouldn't go too fast. This was too enjoyable, he didn't want it to end too soon.
Envy had to take a deep breath to keep himself in control and not let his dick take the reigns. He wouldn't go all the way though, he only wanted Alfons to feel good and not strain him too much. He pulled up from Alfons' neck, there was definitely going to be a bruise there though. Envy smirked and then rocked his hips forward and brought his body up, so he'd have a better angle, and then he kissed Alfons on the mouth once more.
The touch of Envy's lips against his neck echoed for several moments after the touch of his lips disappeared, indicating that a mark was left on the pale skin. Alfons wasn't bothered by it, rather more thrilled than before. He leaned up into the kiss, supported by his elbow while the other arm was hooked around Envy. He couldn't help rocking his hips back against Envy's. The friction felt amazing and sent sparks of sweet pleasure through his whole body. He wondered absentmindedly, if this could feel this good merely by touching, how would it feel like to go all the way? Obviously, they hadn't discussed anything of this on beforehand. He imagined that would be way too embarrassing for both of them. On the other hand, he didn't really know if he'd be able to go through with this. It was tempting, but he was pretty clueless in this field and these feelings for another man went against every moral and belief from his Christian background. He was already breaking several rules of what was socially acceptable in the opinions of society. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to care about that. He wanted this. Envy was his last hope of redemption in this world.
Envy paused a little, noticing how Alfons was slowly spacing out on him. He wasn't sure what that was all about, was he having second thoughts? He frowned a little and looking him in the eye. "Do you still want to continue?" He was getting a bit tired of dry humping and he knew he wanted to continue. But he couldn't unless Alfons wanted him to.
Alfons took a deep breath, meeting his eyes. He had his hand tangled into Envy's hair at the back of his head, and they were both throbbing with need. Not continuing was of course out of the question. He knew he wanted it. "Yes," he assured, cobalt eyes unwavering as he spoke. Then he laid the gentlest pressure at the back of Envy's head, beckoning him the last inch needed for their lips to connect.
Envy closed his eyes and kissed back firmly. It was the first time Alfons had initiated the kiss. He didn't need more than that to convince him. Well then. Grinning, he moved a bit and then his hands were at Alfons' pants, undoing the belt and buttons, he wanted them off. Right then and there, those pants were Envy's worst enemy. How dare they get in his way?! He yanked them down and then smirked of what he saw. Alfons was... quite well endowed, wasn't he? Envy ought to give him a little surprise.
Alfons' heart was skipping several beat and his stomach twisted of either excitement or nervousness or both, despite that Envy had already seen him. But last time they'd both been too caught up in the moment to pay sizes that much attention. His face could probably not become any redder as he was exposed in front of the man. Judging from Envy's smirk he supposed he wasn't too bad down there, though every boy his age was probably self-conscious in that department, at least in situations like these.
Before Alfons knew what Envy was doing, he felt the other move downwards and he felt something warm and slick run up his erection, from base to tip. He let out a staggered gasp and twitched. "Envy!"
Envy smirked and rubbed his tongue along the vein of the member. He loved Alfons' noises, he loved that he made his body respond so strongly. Envy hummed and gave Alfons a long stroke as he paused using his mouth for a moment, earning a delightful whimper from Alfons. "My goodness, Alfons," he purred, he was pleased. This was exciting. He leaned down again and closed his lips around the warm organ, giving it a few generous sucks and took him in as much as possible.
Alfons was trembling and clutching the sheets. He had no idea how Envy had learned to do that, he just knew that his body loved it and his brain was shutting down. It took a lot of willpower to keep his hips down and not make Envy gag. "Envy," he gasped. "S-Stop."
"Hmm?" Envy looked up with a smirk.
"Please, I'm not going to… be able to hold it…" Alfons said, flushing tremendously. "I want… you to feel good too."
Alfons was so cute. "Hmm," Envy mused. "Fine then." He began taking off his own pants, he was going to make this good anyway. Though he didn't want to push Alfons to the point of exploding yet, he could take his time. He discarded his pants onto the floor and then pushed his hips towards Alfons, rubbing their members together with nothing in between, just flesh on flesh.
Alfons felt new sparks of pleasure at the base of his spine. He wrapped his arms around Envy again, now that he was back hovering over him, and bucked his hips. Or rather, his body acted on its own accord at that point. "Envy..." he breathed, his large eyes gazing into Envy's amber ones. "It feels... good."
Envy moaned, he was getting shaky, damn, this was so intense. He took Alfons mouth again moving his hips more quickly, moving their members together. He was pretty sure, he was going to go insane, again, due to the sheer amount of pleasure Alfons was giving him.
Alfons kissed back, his eyes closed in sheer bliss. He clung to Envy's back, his hips moving in a sort of uncontrolled, rhythmic frenzy. All the sensations were pulling him closer to the edge, and he gasped for his breath, regrettably breaking the hot kiss.
"Envy, I'm close…" he managed, his head arching back and his body tensing as the pressure inside his groin reached the limit.
Envy shivered violently at the sound of Alfons' voice, saying that. Holy shit, holy shit. Just holy shit. His hips were just as erratic, his heartbeat so strong he feared his heart may just jump straight out of his chest, but instead he moaned, and pushed forward against Alfons and took his lips, just as he reached his own and helped with the mess they made over each other. But Envy was still kissing Alfons, and wasn't going to stop just yet.
"Ahh, ah," Alfons cried out softly as he tumbled over the edge and kept moving against Envy until the warm mess stopped spilling. He kissed Envy's lips back between the gasps of breath, feeling his heart race inside his chest.
Envy was gasping and broke away from Alfons, though it was somewhat reluctant. He didn't really want to let go of Alfons, he was feeling more attached than ever for some reason. So instead and leaned against him and just got a handle on his breathing before he sat up and looked down at their mess.
"Mmm... I am not cleaning that up..." he said.
Alfons laid on his back and breathed heavily. He looked down, feeling a new blush spreading across his cheeks. "A shower is probably a good idea."
"Mmm, yes, you seem to have a point," Envy said evenly and then stood, grabbed Alfons' hand and dragged him to the shower, he was still unwilling to part from him, and he still wasn't quite sure why. Alfons smiled a bit and followed along. When they were both inside he turned on the water, comfortably hot, and closed his eyes for a moment as he let it flow down his body.
x*x*x*x*x
Obviously, a relationship like this wouldn't normally be appropriate. Alfons didn't exactly know what the government meant about homosexual relationships, but he knew there was probably a penalty for it. Maybe Envy didn't know at all. Alfons didn't want to sound like he regretted anything though. He had never felt this happy with someone before. But Envy deserved to know if he didn't already. Before he knew what he was doing, he was hugging Envy tightly and burying his face into the crook of his neck.
Envy enjoyed the feel of clean skin, the water of the warm shower washing over him and in his hair, well it was nice. He squeaked a bit when Alfons hugged him. But he supposed he didn't mind, he wrapped his arms around the other male and closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of how they were. He let out a sigh, he hadn't ever wanted to be this close to anyone before, for some reason it both scared and thrilled him. But now that he had something like this, he wasn't going to let go.
"Envy," Alfons said softly. "We can't tell anyone about this... this relationship." The only one he'd trust with a secret like this might be Edward, but he supposed Edward wouldn't like it if he knew about it. Edward and Envy weren't exactly best friends.
Envy frowned and finally pulled back looking at Alfons confused. "Why?" he asked. Was there something wrong with it? He had never been concerned with social norms so he had never known the rules, maybe he needed to now. "Would it get us in trouble?" he asked.
Alfons nodded slowly. "Yes. But it's okay, no one will find out." He placed a soft kiss on Envy's cheek and smiled.
Envy snorted quietly and leaned into Alfons, "Stupid..." he grumbled, it was stupid. Oooh they were touching and hugging and... and... making... er... doing other stuff, what was so wrong with it? People were stupid. "They better not, or I'll kill them," he said resting his forehead on Alfons' shoulder.
Alfons laughed nervously and scratched his temple, not sure if Envy was joking or not. "I'm sure there would be a better way to handle it." He snuggled back as Envy leaned against him. "People just don't consider it natural, but I don't care about what other people think."
"Natural?" Envy repeated quietly, so quietly it may not have been heard over the sound of the shower. "What do they know of 'natural'?" he muttered. He should know, for his life, most of it he had always been 'unnatural', a 'mistake', 'wrong'. A homunculus wasn't real they were fake humans with fake emotions. But now he was human and the emotions he felt were real and people were going to try and tell him they were wrong too? What a bunch of bullshit. He was going to get himself worked up. In fact he was already tensing, but then he remembered the last part of Alfons' words. He'd said he didn't care what other people thought.
Envy had no idea why that made him choke for a moment, and then he was crying, shoving his face in Alfons' neck to try and hide the tears and clinging to him desperately to stop himself from shaking. But dammit all, Alfons didn't care, he wanted Envy anyway.
That was all he ever really wanted. So he cried.
Alfons' eyes widened. He hadn't expected Envy to start crying... Envy was trying to hide it, but he could tell anyway. "E-Envy, did I say something wrong? I'm sorry..." He hugged him a little tighter. He wanted to stay alive and be with Envy for as long as he could, protect him even, in case people were mean to him because of who he was. Envy deserved better after all he'd been through. "I love you," he whispered.
Envy only let out another sob as he shook his head, Alfons hadn't done anything wrong. Shit, he was just living and he had to put up with Envy who was so used to being an asshole, he'd treated Alfons like shit and he'd wanted to take advantage of him just because he was an awful person, but Alfons went and said things like that. Alfons loved him?!
He could only cry harder and then he pushed Alfons away. "Why?! I've never done anything for you! Why?!" he demanded, even as tears streamed down his face, the shower not only wetting his hair. "Y-you can't l-love me! Stop it! I'm terrible and mean and only do bad things! You can't! That makes you an idiot!" he wailed, crying still, putting his hands to his face. He didn't understand this, he was no longer in his element of what he knew, and what he could control. Actually, he was realizing that had been going on for quite a while. He realized, couldn't control his own feelings and that was scary. Alfons was doing things to him against his will.
Alfons gasped a bit as he was pushed away. His back met the wall and he stared at Envy in slight shock. Where did all this come from...? Why did Envy deny that he was happy? "What do you mean?" he said, his voice a bit weak. There was a lump in his throat, threatening to grow bigger. "You've done a lot for me..." He frowned a little and looked down. Maybe this had been a bad idea after all. He was dying and now he'd said he loved Envy?
That wasn't fair to either of them.
"I'm sorry..."
"Why are you sorry?!" Envy snapped, his own thoughts had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Alfons was dying, to Envy that was moot. He didn't think it was going to happen, so it wasn't something that would concern him. "Because y-you make me— and I—!" he sobbed again, he couldn't stop, he needed to though, he was going to ruin everything that he wanted, why was he the idiot? "You bastard!" he cried loudly and then was clinging to Alfons again, sobbing into his chest, clutching to his wet skin desperately.
Alfons was majorly confused. He wasn't sure what Envy wanted at all now. "...If you don't love me, that's okay," he said softly and stroked his back in a soothing manner. "But you'll just have to bear with me for now, because my feelings will not change."
Envy sniffled his crying finally toning down, stupid Alfons for just being around making him feel better. He smacked his arm lightly, "Didn't say that, jerk," he muttered his voice muffled by Alfons' body. "Just dun know why... you would..." he muttered, sniffling once more, but he wasn't willing to leave Alfons' side.
"I could ask you the same," Alfons said. "But can't it just be an easy reason, for example that I like being with you and you like being with me?"
Envy nodded, he did like being Alfons, he liked just sitting around them while they ate or read, he just liked being with him.
Alfons beamed softly and hugged Envy back. "Good." Despite the confusing moment, he let it pass. Envy was probably as overwhelmed as he was over this strange relationship. Things were happening a bit fast. Maybe they had to slow things down a little. He couldn't think that he didn't have enough time. He would make time for this, for Envy, and he would make it count.
They finished washing and stepped out. It was time for bed now, it was getting late. And Alfons was feeling a bit worn out after all the action. "Let's go to bed now," he said, and Envy nodded. Bed seemed like a pretty good idea.
They headed back to the bedroom and put on pajamas, before changing the sheets (since they had left quite a mess in there) and then crawling into bed. Envy cuddled up next to him right away and it made him smile. He hugged him close, wanting him to feel reassured that everything was okay and Envy cuddled back against him as much as he could. Envy didn't want to be away from him and he didn't want to think. He just wanted Alfons, and that was all. It went against everything he'd been before, but so be it.
Envy smelled fresh and nice after the shower and Alfons thought he could inhale his scent forever. The scents, the warmth, the closeness made him feel even sleepier, and before even a minute had passed the young scientist was fast asleep. Envy closed his eyes and fell asleep to the sound of Alfons' steady breathing, it didn't even sound wet.
The next morning was Sunday and for once Alfons didn't wake up early filled with the anxiety of not making his deadlines. He slept in, snugly cuddled up against Envy's chest and looked completely peaceful. Not even a nightmare could disturb him. An arm was draped across Envy's waist and his soft, steady breath played across Envy's neck.
Envy was the first one to wake up, but he wasn't about ready to get up. He would much rather just stay in bed with Alfons. His hand came up to brush at Alfons face, running his fingers through his bangs. Alfons' face was gentle and sweet. The events of yesterday returned to him. Alfons was so kind and way too nice, but he loved Envy. He'd said it. And that's what made Envy feel all gooey and gross inside, but he didn't mind. He wanted Alfons to feel all gross and gooey too.
Alfons didn't even stir as Envy's fingers touched his face. Likely he had needed some extra sleep that morning. He hadn't slept as much as he should while being sick and it seemed to have caught up to him now.
"I do too..." Envy muttered quietly. He wanted to tell Alfons, that he... maybe did too, but... he just... he couldn't. Not when he was... who he was. He probably didn't deserve this, but... he was going to take it.
The quiet moment was interrupted by a knocking on the door out in the hall. Envy's hand stilled for a moment, and then he glared at the door. Really? Who would come this early on a Sunday? He grumbled and slowly untangled himself from Alfons, he brushed his fingers over his face with a small hum. At least Alfons was fine. He could sleep in a little, he decided, and then he made his way to the door. He scowled when he opened it. "What do you want?!" he snapped.
On the other side of the door stood Edward. He raised his eyebrows at Envy. "Morning," he said.
Envy's scowl deepened, but he sighed and leaned against the door. "What do you want?" he repeated, this time a little less snappish, but it was still obvious he wasn't pleased.
"Checking up on Alfons, like I said I would," Edward said. "Is he awake?"
"No, he's still sleeping," Envy said, trying his hardest not to rip off Ed's head verbally, for Alfons sake. "You can go, he's still alive."
"Since when was that up to you?" Edward said stubbornly and moved past Envy, making it inside the hall. "I'll wait until he wakes up."
Envy scowled. "Who knows when he'll wake up, and I don't want to have to deal with you until then!" he growled, but closed the door after the little bratty bastard, it was still technically Alfons' apartment. He glared at Ed for a full minute before he growled softly and moved to the kitchen to start on breakfast.
"Then don't," Edward grumbled in return and continued into the living room. He didn't exactly want to deal with him either. He just wanted to make sure Alfons was alright and that his fever wasn't getting worse. He lingered by one of Alfons' bookshelves and studied the spines of each one. Alfons had a pretty impressive collection on rocketry.
Envy grumbled until he got into his cooking then he finally cooled down. Cooking did that for him, he was more able to focus. He made some more of the potato cakes that Alfons said he'd liked. When finished, he put some on a plate and headed for the bedroom. He had almost forgotten Ed was there already.
Edward had picked out a book from the shelf and began reading in it, though he looked up and frowned as Envy stepped inside the bedroom but didn't follow him. "Envy, leave him alone. Let him wake up on his own."
Envy stepped in and set the food on the bedside table, fully ignoring Ed. Stupid brat, just coming here and being an ass about stuff when things were going so well with him and Alfons! He huffed. But at the sight of Alfons' peaceful face, his spite immediately vanished. He was about to shake Alfons awake so he could eat, but smirked and then leaned over and kissed him instead. It seemed like a much more appropriate wake up call.
Alfons' breath was deep and even, his expression serene as he slept. But the wake up call surely did the trick. His eyes opened abruptly and he looked up in surprise as he realized Envy had taken his lips. He slowly relaxed, but something quickly startled him again.
"Envy, I said don't wake him!" Edward sighed. Oh well, he guessed it was late enough anyway and Alfons probably needed to eat something.
Alfons stiffened at the sound of Ed's voice and quickly shoved Envy back with a slightly panicked look. What if Edward had seen that?! He guessed it wouldn't have been as bad as someone else, but still. He didn't want there to be more conflict between the brothers because of him.
Envy growled, not very pleased with being pushed away. In fact it hurt a lot to be pushed away, because of him. Damn pipsqueak! He scowled deeply and probably not realizing he looked hurt, but then turned around and marched out of the bedroom, leaving the food. But he just wanted away at the moment.
Alfons panicked even more at Envy's growling expression. He looked almost a bit mad at him now. He tried to stop Envy from leaving and grabbing for his hand, but the other blonde left too fast.
Edward looked after Envy as he left the bedroom again. Something seemed to be up... He stepped over to the bedroom seeing Alfons sitting up in bed now, looking a bit edgy and out of breath. He knocked gently on the frame. "Alfons, are you okay?"
Alfons looked over at Ed as he stepped in, nodding quickly and swallowed a couple of times. "Yes... I'm much better. Thank you for checking on me, Edward, but it's okay." He tried to smile like he always did, but it felt a little halfhearted even to him.
Edward stepped closer and then sat down on the bedside. "For some reason I don't believe you." He pressed his flesh hand against Alfons' forehead, feeling a damp heat against his palm. "You have a fever, so don't push yourself, okay?" His eyes fell on the food Envy had left and he was yet again impressed. It looked just like his mother used to make it. "You should eat." He placed the plate on Alfons' lap.
Alfons sighed softly. "The fever was better last night..." He had gotten used to the fever though. As long as it wasn't too harsh he could live with it. Envy's potato cake really looked delicious. He felt really bad for pushing him away. He hoped he wouldn't stay mad for long. He had to apologize and make it up to him with a big kiss as soon as Ed left.
Envy was back in the kitchen, he'd snatched one of his books and was sitting at the table, trying to read, but his brain wouldn't shut up. What if Alfons liked Ed? it kept thinking but he knew that was wrong. Alfons liked him, he'd said so! But still his jealousy was starting to drive him insane, he was always so jealous, but dammit all! He let out a quite squeak of pain or anger, something but then he hid behind his book just trying to ignore everything. Even though he could still hear them talking. He almost couldn't stand it. They were talking and he hated it! Alfons was his. He growled and looked around. He needed to do something, anything, he wasn't going to cook anything though. He could eat, he needed to but he wasn't hungry. He couldn't eat now, not when—
He let loose a string of curses in several languages and grabbed a cloth from the sink and a bucket filled it with water and then dropped to the floor and started scrubbing the floor, taking his anger out on the dirt. Damn it, he couldn't wait for the pipsqueak to just leave!
Envy growled quietly the whole time he scrubbed, his knuckles rubbing roughly against the floor, but he didn't care. It wasn't fair. The moment he decides he wants this, and even tries to say things, all goes to shit! He snarled even more loudly and scrubbed harder.
Meanwhile Edward watched in silence as Alfons ate his breakfast, wanting to make sure he got most of it down. But then a dark spot on Alfons' neck suddenly caught his attention. That was something new... It wasn't because of his illness, was it? "What's that?" Edward leaned closer and inspected the sore spot with a frown.
Alfons inwardly panicked and covered the mark with his hand. "It's... It's nothing, just a little scratch or something like that." But Edward pulled his hand away and looked again, not seeming convinced.
Edward was getting more and more convinced that it was a bruise, and it hadn't gotten there by accident. "What the hell did he do?" he growled, feeling his anger starting to boil. He knew it. Envy couldn't be trusted. Before Alfons could respond Edward had leaped to his feet and rushed out of the room.
Alfons gasped. "No, Edward, wait! I can explain!" But it was already too late. The shorter blond didn't listen to him as he rushed out. Oh no, this wasn't good... This was exactly what Alfons hadn't wished for. He quickly got out of bed and stumbled forward a few steps, before regaining his balance enough to follow.
Ed found Envy in the kitchen and knocked him over before grabbing the front of his shirt. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO, YOU BASTARD?!"
Envy looked up at Ed in shock, he'd been pretty focused on that stain on the floor to really notice that the talking had escalated and he now had an angry pipsqueak on him. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" he yelled back, automatically getting angry, he was already angry with the brat anyway. His hands grabbing at Ed's wrists, his knuckles were starting to get bloody from him scrubbing so hard, but he hadn't noticed.
Edward snarled at him, not letting go. "Don't play stupid with me!"
"I'm not stupid, you are!" Envy shrieked, trying to push him over. "You think you know everything, damn brat!"
"The bruise on Alfons' neck," Edward snapped. "Don't pretend you don't know anything about it! You've been hurting him!" He wanted to beat Envy into a brick! It was like he had hurt his own younger brother, and that was something he would never forgive!
Alfons reached the kitchen, grabbing the door frame for support. His head felt a bit dizzy and he could literally feel his fever rising along with his racing heart. "Edward, please! Don't hurt him!"
Envy was completely confused. "What the hell are you talking about!?" he gaped and then looked at Alfons and happened to see the small bruise on his neck. Oh... OH. Envy went pink, well he got excited okay, he didn't control his mouth as best as he could, but well Alfons made those noises and—
"I haven't hurt him, you ass!" he snapped and pulled Ed's hand off of him, kicking Ed in the real shin, making the shorter blonde hiss. He really wanted to strangle him again, and see all the life ebb out of him so he'd finally leave them alone, but… he couldn't in front of Alfons… Instead, Envy got up and went over to the sagging male in the door frame. He helped support Alfons and glared at Ed, the one who was oh so intent on keeping him safe and he was making him get flustered. Envy frowned and put his hand on Alfons' forehead, he had a fever... again.
Edward slowly got up as well, simply scowling at them. "Then why does he have that?" He was a bit confused at Envy's reaction. This didn't make much sense.
Alfons breath was a bit sharp and he supported himself a bit against Envy while his eyes were on Ed, determined. He had to tell him now, or he'd just come to the wrong conclusions. There was no way around it, and there was no easy way to do it. Therefore, he simply cut right to the chase. "Edward, Envy and I are... together. I love him," he blurted, blushing a little. "I don't know if you'll understand or not, but you have to promise me to keep it a secret."
Envy couldn't help but get flustered at that, he just said it so easily! Was he nuts?! "Don't just go spouting it out like that!" Envy said trying not to squeak, but... he squeaked. He was bright red and his grip on Alfons was tighter. Shit, he was never going to be able to look at Ed in the eye again. Ever.
Edward gaped at them both, his eyes shifting slowly from one to another in pure disbelief. "...What? What are you talking about?" He couldn't be serious... Alfons... and Envy? But on the other hand, Alfons never joked.
Alfons took a deep breath, ignoring Envy's flustered squeaks. "You heard me right. We're together." He watched Edward closely, trying to read what he must be thinking. He looked like he didn't know at all what to think.
Envy was feeling pretty chagrined. Ed didn't think he could love, he was sure. But... well he did, he just couldn't admit it out loud. "Got a problem?" he asked with a frown and glaring at Ed's shoulder.
Edward stood frowning at them for a long time, mostly at Envy, trying to figure out how the hell he had manipulated Alfons to feel that way about him. Was Alfons really that naive? Or had Envy really changed that much? In the end he let out a deep sigh. "I wasn't expecting that."
Alfons relaxed a bit. Edward wasn't bursting out into an anger fit. "I know you two haven't been friends in the past... but is it possible you could just... let the past go? I don't want you to fight anymore, or hurt each other." He looked down. He didn't know if they'd be able to do that, but it was worth to ask, right?
"Hurting each other were the best moments in our relationship though," Envy said, trying not to sound snarky and failing. But then he sighed. "Fine. I won't tear his head off then... But only if he minds his own business!" he finally compromised, glaring at Ed, he was still feeling jealous. Alfons was his.
Edward crossed his arms and looked to the side, ignoring Envy's bullshit. "Alfons, I don't want to meddle into private things or anything." He looked at him again. "But are you sure that this is what you want?" So Envy might be nicer now, but in that way? It was a bit hard to believe still.
Alfons frowned and looked down for a moment. He wanted it, but he still felt selfish. Who knew how much time he had left? But Edward was probably not thinking like that though. He was only worried about Envy's behavior. "Yes," he finally said, looking up. "Envy is very nice to me." He felt dizzy. He was sweating. He needed them to get along, he couldn't take it otherwise.
Envy was frowning at Ed, he was being such a dick. He was just— he grunted under his breath and kept his mouth closed. If he let himself talk he knew damn well it would start another fight and Alfons didn't need that right now. "Hey, you." He looked up at Alfons with a fierce glare. "Get back in bed."
Before Envy even had finished his sentence, it sounded like porridge in Alfons' ears. It came quickly over him. His vision fogged and then he began to tilt forward. His head felt so warm and heavy...
Edward realized that something was wrong when Alfons began to fall and rushed forward to catch him, in case Envy didn't pay enough attention. "Alfons!"
Envy had been of course staring straight at him so he'd seen the way his eyes had glazed over, and even as he'd gotten his arms around the tall male he wasn't able to keep him up alone. He was leaning against the door frame for some support and glared death at Ed, who supported Alfons' now unconscious frame on the other side. If he hadn't— He cut himself off with a few swears, he couldn't start that now. "Help me!" he demanded instead, he didn't have a very good grip on him, and he was going to fall soon.
Edward grabbed Alfons' arm a little tighter and hooked it over his shoulders, frowning in concern. "Goddammit... He's not getting any better, is he?" Alfons was showing no sign of consciousness.
Envy just grunted, he did not want to talk about that. He took Alfons' other arm and started towards the bedroom. With Ed's help he was able to get him in bed and put the covers over him. He set his hand on Alfons' forehead and frowned. He was feverish... worse than earlier. Why? Why did this keep happening? The demonstration was tomorrow. Envy knew Alfons would die— or be depressed if he couldn't go... so he just had to get better. Envy went to grab the cold wet cloth from the bathroom and returned it to the sweaty forehead, scowling. Alfons' breathing was quick and staggering and he absent-mindedly clutched the covers.
Edward made sure his feet was properly covered before sitting down on the bedside and placed his flesh hand carefully on Alfons' cheek. He was burning up! This wasn't good. He turned to Envy quickly. "Go get the whiskey." Every German was sure to have some somewhere.
"What good is alcohol going to do?" Envy asked with a frown, he hated alcohol. It tasted bad and made his head fuzzy, he found no reason for it. But he supposed Ed knew what he was doing and tried to think of where it might be in the kitchen.
"If that doesn't knock it out of him, nothing will," Edward said. "Just do it."
Envy sighed and went to go find it, it was in a cupboard, the stuff looked like very dark piss, he didn't want to drink it. But he handed it over to him. Edward quickly removed the cap of the bottle, lifted Alfons' head up a bit and then poured a healthy amount of the strong liquid down his throat.
Alfons gagged at first before swallowing it down. The liquid burned down his throat but he didn't protest. When it was over he managed to calm down a bit and his breathing evened out after a moment. Edward put the cap back on the bottle and decided to leave it on the nightstand, just in case.
"Is 'whiskey' code for 'miracle medicine'?" Envy asked, looking a bit blown away.
"You could call it that," Edward mumbled, sounding like he knew more about whiskey than he'd want to elaborate on. "As long as you don't mix it with the other medicine. Leave him alone for now. Just check on him every now and then."
Envy nodded, and Ed rose and stepped out of the bedroom. He knew Envy would probably want him to leave the apartment, but he couldn't bring himself to. Not when Alfons was feeling this bad. Instead he flopped back down on the couch with the book he'd found earlier.
On his part Envy was a little too worried about Alfons to really care what Ed did at the moment. He sat on the edge of the bed, and ran his fingers through Alfons hair. He made no sign of noticing the touch, which somehow made Envy feel worse. He hated that Alfons was sick, it just wasn't fair.
"It's not fair..." he muttered aloud.
