Well, ladies and gents, it's been a little while. After three long months, service has finally been restored! Hey-o!
Ugh, I've missed this world immensely. So much so that I've spent all of my waking moments walking my dog, writing and, of course playing with my Christmas and Birthday gifts, mainly Xenosaga, the first two episodes, which I have both beaten and I'm quite outraged. ANYWAY… let's move on, shall we? I have eight, yes EIGHT, chapters done on this. No, I won't post them all at once because I'm cruel, I wrote them so fast that they probably need to be rewritten, AND that I am just whoring you guys for reviews. Love you!
xD No, I'm kidding. I'll go through them, rewrite and post when I get the chance. I still have lots to catch up on, emails, Gaia, Deviant… all the good stuff about not checking some of that stuff for months on end.
REVIEW REPLIES:
Bar-ohki: xD Thanks.
Psykotika: xD I'm glad you like. Here's the next chapter for you!
Niki-Uni: Right now? No, he's not wearing his old clothes. He can't get used to them right now. He's a bit different now, so if he does get those clothes, they'll have to be fixed specially for him. Will he? Maybe, maybe not. That all depends on how I bring this to an end. xD But here's your next chapter. I hope you enjoy.
Kikiko: xD Of course not, they happen sometime! I thought it would be a good idea, since this is really about Ed's return to a world he knows but can't remember. SO I figured sticking to his point of view not only would be cute, but would be a bit easier to explain his struggles and his will to return to the world that he left long ago. Besides, isn't it so cute? xD Here's the next update!
Anmbcuconnfan: Thank you. I was actually bit worried about that. I hope your holidays were great. Thank you for reading, and here's the next.
QuitexSoul: Ed's old Master never really plays a part, not that I had come up with. Maybe I could come up with something. Mm… I'm glad you like, but don't worry! Ed's safe from all that!
Daddy: Aww! Dun cries! Does you?
xD You said the last one didn't make you cry! Aww! I didn't mean to! –clingkiss- Dun hates, Daddy! xD Does you? He's so cute. Needy little Edo! Happy is good! It's so cute. xD Aw, poor Ed, you are a brat though! This just makes you really adorable and loveable!
SLEEPS MOARS! Gwar! xD Loves!
E.Mahiru: xD Wasn't he?
xD I know, right? He was being so mean.
Riza does, lots. She's just trying to be peaceful. He's been away for years, and she doesn't want to chase him off, because she might not see him again. It could be considered a Royai thing, or just her devotion to him. Whichever you want.
They are! But not just yet. That'll be coming in more towards the end.
Aw, I'm really sorry it's been so long. I couldn't help it, really. Net's been out. You should get to bed; the update will be there when you get to it! But candy… nums.
xD I love warm and fuzzy. Aw, I'm glad. That makes me feel warm and fuzzy. –wiggle- Lemoooons… those are good too! I need to read more. Dx I don't get to enough. So here's the update, a lot earlier in the day then the last one, I hope and now you can hopefully enjoy some more warm and fuzzy feelings from cute little Ed.
Tazjay: xD Thank you!
From the Psyche Ward: Seriously? Aw, thanks! I'm really glad. Thank you for reading and here's the next one!
Kyothefallenkit: xD I know, but if I left it, the chapter would have been double the size! Here you go.
Lakara Valentine: Isn't he? Here!
Claws tugged at the foreign cloth, much different from the starched shirts and cotton he'd been allowed to wear and bury himself in so far. It wasn't uncomfortable, but so strange and clingy that it was a sudden dislike to the little one. He wasn't sure how things should have looked; after all, the only clothing he'd been allowed was someone else's discarded cloth, not necessarily fit for anyone, let alone someone of his size (if the clothes weren't so big!) to wear. Still, Roy had gone through so much trouble to pick it all out, telling him no would waste his efforts to be nice. Upset his friend and this probably would never happen again.
His promise…
Ed frowned slightly, going on to tug at the shirt some more. Maybe if he got used to it, it would feel a bit better. Still, the sticky feeling from the odd material was just far too annoying, pressing his fur firmly against his flesh. Familiar, but clingy, and there was just no room for that thrashing appendage that refused to sit still for fear of being captured during these dressings.
"I didn't think so," Roy's voice broke through his thoughts, taking a moment to look him over.
Ed didn't have a chance to protest, as Roy sat him down and took the strange material off and returned it to the 'rack' above their heads. He really had no idea what this was supposed to be like, really.
"I'll find a friend who owes me a favor or two and have some clothing fit for your shape, but until then, these will just have to do." Favors were such wonderful things. Friends even better. Winry didn't owe him any favors, but maybe, especially if Ed's little brother was around (which he was caught between hope and fear), she would let slide that he couldn't pull a favor on her and help them out. He wasn't quite sure how much the other could pitch in.
The kitten tilted his head, watching Roy moving some things aside wile looking others over very closely. None of that really made sense, but whatever he said was fine. He didn't personally see the reason for so much trouble… he didn't think he was worth the work, honestly. The last one hadn't spent so much time on him, and his friends certainly weren't the ones to give the kind reception as Roy's had, with the exception of Hawkeye. Just watching the change of expression on his caretaker's face made him feel a bit more joyous than he should have. Something about that face just told him that this was special treatment, so taking full advantage of it was the best idea anyone could have manifested.
"You can't just go around, bringing things to life. It's not possible and it's not healthy."
"Huh?"
Roy looked up from the current item in his hands, brow quirked. "I didn't say anything."
The little blonde shrank back a little, looking around. That was odd. Sure he liked Roy's voice but he wouldn't imagine something like that. That was just… weird, even he knew that. He obeyed when he received the instructions to wiggle enough to get the next set of pants on, mind still wandering at the bizarre words that lingered. Bring things to life? Who wanted to bring things to life and why would Roy say anything like that? It was so weird…
"Ed?"
His ears fell back, quickly looking up to see what his next instructions were. He'd meant to be paying attention!
"While I'm sure this isn't the most fascinating thing to be doing, it's not appropriate to be wandering around in unwanted and old clothing of ours. How does this feel?" He gave a tug on the waistline for further emphasis.
Ed took a moment to think about it. The cloth was cool to the touch, at first, but it quickly rose to match his body temperature. Not tight or rough, and it allowed plenty of room to move around. It was smaller than the oversized clothes he'd been wearing, but it still felt roomy. With a small nod and a minute smile, he gave his okay to the article of clothing.
"Then we'll be easy and stick to similar makes. Just a shirt now and then we're done for clothes…"
Ed still really didn't know what was going on, but he nodded again, kicking his leg experimentally while Roy looked through the shirts, he guessed, above him. He liked his pants, but it seemed kind of lonely, with the one leg empty. He didn't pay much attention as his arm was lifted and the shirt was replaced with something a bit roomier. Nice and warm, perfect to curl up in and go to sleep. He only gave a hint of a nod, which he guessed Roy took as his approval because out of the corner of his eye, the man was gathering things of similar make together.
"What are we supposed to do now, Ed? We can't live without her…"
That was a voice he hadn't remembered hearing before. It was soft, gentle, like that of a young child, but broken and scared. It seemed so sad… He didn't know where it came from, especially since no stranger could know his name, but the odd voices that only he could hear was getting a bit… scary.
"I suppose this is enough for now. We'll finish up our shopping then, all right?"
Ed pulled away from that hauntingly familiar voice, giving a small smile and reaching a hand up, allowing himself to be stripped down and replaced with all that heavy clothing again and finally scooped up to sit with his new clothes that were much more fascinating empty than they were on him.
Ed didn't understand much of what went on after that. There was a young lady who was busy talking to Roy who seemed not to be interested in her, but stopped to talk while something was exchanged between them. He couldn't see what was going on, curious as he was, but he pushed his luck a bit far already. He stayed quiet, burying his face in the other's neck with a glare at the woman (which he really hoped his carrier hadn't noticed). He didn't like her. So false. Lying was rude. Besides, she wasn't going to take him from his nice comfy spot.
"Aw, he seems a bit shy."
"A little. He's tired, too. We'll be seeing you."
When the cool air smacked against the back of his head, he peeked up to gaze at that all knowing smile that sent a wave of annoyance through him.
"Next time, Ed, show a little restraint with your hostility. Annoying as she was, it probably wasn't good to give her such a stare." The sentence sort of left out his real thoughts, but he had already decided he couldn't group the two together. A change so drastic wasn't possible, no matter how he looked at it.
The little one looked away, trying to hide any outward defiance or irritation at that. He didn't like her, but he had to do what he was told…"But…"
"But? I'm not saying you have to like her but you see, you never know when you'll have to borrow someone's services, so you just smile and imagine they're tolerable. Like you do with Hawkeye."
It was starting to get confusing. Act like he did towards Hawkeye, but don't act like her? He was still trying to wrap his head around the request Roy had made a while ago. Ed didn't take any time to respond, looking around at the people moving by without a word to them, some in a hurry, others grumpy and many just oblivious to the world around them. He guessed it was better than sitting there and being stared at all the time, but it didn't seem all that welcoming, like he first thought. In the last village, people were always going out to the different shops, even if that wasn't where they were going, together, like family.
This cold, stone city was nothing like what he was used to, and the thoughts of change were starting to make him incredibly uncomfortable. "Roy…"
"Mn?"
His arm slipped further around his companion's neck, face buried in that warm sanctuary. Home… home was all he wanted, and he couldn't find that anywhere at the moment. Not at Hawkeye's, not back in that alley… not even in the place he found himself happiest, in that small, dingy place that was the warmest of them all. Lots of plains… great expanses to run with lots of different things scattered about with a house and a flashing light, a place where someone was no doubt waiting for him.
"Come now, Ed. There's nothing to be afraid of. Not everyone's out to get you."
"Nuh…"
"Then what is it?"
He knew responses were essential to keeping anyone happy but he wasn't sure how exactly he was supposed to get it across. Sounding ungrateful after all this was something Hawkeye would do, but...
"Let's finish up, then."
Ed sat obediently in Roy's lap, sniffing at the cookie that was being offered to him. It smelled very good, and it was incredibly warm to the touch. He didn't know what to make of it when Roy offered to take him to the sweet smelling bakery for something to snack on before they headed home, a few extra boxes beside them on the bench, each emitting their own alluring aromas tantalizing anyone who got close enough. The best part was? It was their little secret, which he was more than happy to indulge in.
After spending a moment or two sniffing at it out of habit more than necessity, he took it in his hand and bit into it, snuggling in without a bit of guilt in taking pleasure for this little excursion. He may have wanted more than he had been able to see so far, but he didn't mind staying here in a warm embrace with a nice, hot, delicious cookie, enjoying his life for once.
"Mm… Hawkeye can't know. Something about spoiling supper. This stuff is for our trip."
He hadn't really heard what had been said, since there wasn't much reason to pay attention, but he nodded slowly, snuggling his cookie close and nuzzling the spot he'd made his pillow for the time being. He wasn't walking anyway, and he couldn't really help with much, so a little nap until they went home wouldn't hurt.
"He'll sleep fine."
"Is that a cookie?"
"Maybe."
"You were supposed to get clothing and some things for the trip, not snacks."
"I think I accomplished all that."
A sigh. "Good to see you feeling a bit better, sir. Get him changed and wash your hands."
"Ed."
He shifted a bit, cracking an eye open slightly to watch Hawkeye's back disappear around a corner, permission to stretch and yawn as much as he needed before the woman returned to correct him. "Huh?"
"Get up. Supper's almost ready and we have to get you dressed and washed up."
As much as that sounded nice, the 'washing up' sounded like it was going to be filled with lots of water on him and wiggling. He didn't like getting wet, no matter how relaxing it was after the fact. Not even for Roy would he change that.
"It'll be just your hands."
The point was obvious that he'd get wet, so it probably was easier if he just cooperated. Less to get wet then, really.
But… that wasn't what he was focused on. The hands that had spent so much time caring for him, holding him and dressing him… so careful, calculating… almost tender in their gestures were so familiar to him. They weren't overly kind, something that just didn't suit Roy, even now but they always held an affection that was beyond a physical one. He felt so attached to them and somehow it just felt like a normal thing.
He paid little attention to what his friend was doing. So far he'd established a few things. There was a major difference between the Roy in his dreams and the one caring for him now and it was more than a physical change or two. There were lots of people that invaded like little ghosts, floating around during his waking hours, reminders of the people like Havoc and Fuery. Probably the weirdest thing he'd gathered from it though was that the person he was in his dreams shared the same attraction he felt towards his friend. It was a funny feeling, a wiggly feeling in his stomach that reminded him of standing in front of a crowd and being stared at by the entire city. Normally he would have hated that feeling, but it felt sort of… nice. Somehow it just made everything right and typical. It felt just like that Ed in his dreams whenever he got the chance to see that face.
"You're the only one who could make me feel so damn useless!"
Ed's voice… his voice. That wasn't how he felt though. Roy was the only one who made him useful. His hand wrapped tightly around the fabric, barely noticing the cookie's drop to the floor, burying his face in the cool, soft cloth that smelled so nice… Did he have to exist in the world where he had a purpose? If he didn't have anyway to get around, if there was no way for him to fend for himself, then he'd never have to leave. If he didn't ever have to leave, then he and Roy could be together, like the ones in his dreams, right? He didn't fully understand what it meant, but if he went for this automail, a voice in his head said he'd have to take care of himself afterwards. What would happen if Roy threw him away? Who'd make his Roy happy? That mean Hawkeye wouldn't do it, he knew that. And his friends weren't something he seemed he liked to be around as much as he put on. He didn't care what would happen to him. Whatever it was, he must have deserved it, right? He didn't want to be out there, alone again, but he'd do whatever his friend told him to. He just… wanted the man to be all right.
"The Lieutenant won't be happy to know you just wasted most of a cookie, Edward."
"Uh-uh…" He shook his little head, but refused to pull away. "N… no go!"
"It's supper time. Aren't you hungry?"
"Mm…" That he was, his stomach was growling for a little while then, he realized, but his thoughts were so… scary that he didn't want to think about something so minor. Something felt so wrong now. The gentle tone was great. He hated yelling since it bothered his ears and scared him, but something was just off about it.
"… sarcastic bastard!"
Sar… castic? Somehow, whether he knew the word's meaning or not sounded just perfect to describe him. Part of him loved the cautious, sad man who was caring for him now, but the other longed for that smirk that came in his mind on its own, or his 'sarcastic' words and a name that didn't sink in, a name he couldn't force to his lips.
"Patient as I am, Ed, standing in front of the mirror isn't doing anything for us. If you're hungry, we'll go eat. If not, I'll put you to bed."
"Mm… eat."
"He's been spacing out a lot lately."
Riza set a cup of coffee in front of both Fuery and Roy before taking her seat. "We can only assume what's going on in his mind. I think it is best to remain cautious."
"I'm sorry Lieutenant, but I think you're just being over protective…" Fuery replied shyly, fingers wrapping around his mug. "Ed wouldn't even be able to take down a mouse, let alone the General. He's not as vicious as you try to make him out to be."
"You're confusing the two again."
"No!" Kain shook his head fiercely. "I don't care who he is, you're not being fair! I miss Ed a lot. We all do. It looks like him, but he's totally different. I couldn't be so blind about his personality change, the way he flinches all the time, his speech patterns. Even if he was Ed, he's not the Ed we remember anymore, I get it, but still, he deserves some more respect than he's gotten."
Roy raised his mug with a smirk on his face. "Cheers, Fuery. You've got some sense left, it seems."
Riza averted her gaze. "The Fuhrer was a nice man, but beneath the shadows he was actually cruel. He helped create so many campaigns that stole away so many lives. Have you forgotten the face that ruined all of our plans?"
"You seem to forget that it wasn't Bradley who made the choice to tear down our ambitions."
"But so many others. Brigadier General Hughes… the people of Ishbal, even Ed and Aru were dragged into the sickening plans that ended up taking those innocent boys who suffered so much as it were and thrust them into fighting for their lives. General… what makes him so important? What makes him more valid than my word to you?"
There was no regret in his smile as he regarded her thoughtfully, tapping a finger on the glass. "That's not it at all, Hawkeye. Your word is just as important to me as Ed is. You are as important as Ed is. He's like a kid and needs just a bit more care than a grown woman does. Ed or not, I can't just leave him, and I couldn't then. Not in the snow. Besides, I have you to cover me, don't I?"
"You're as careless as you always were."
"Ah, but it gives you something to do, doesn't it?"
"You've been in Central too long." She gave a small smile, raising her own cup. "Your old habits are coming back, like forgetting to buy those train tickets like I told you today and getting Ed cookies instead."
"Minor details. You'll get them in the end."
"I think you've gotten into the habit of me bailing you out of trouble. Maybe I'll leave it to you this time."
"Don't do that, now. I'll get them in the morning."
"Do you even know where you're going?"
"Not particularly, no."
"Risembool, sir. I suggest you double check, next time. After I called, she said she'd go back to Risembool for Edward's installation."
"See? You have everything covered. There's no need to worry. I'm off to bed. Night."
The two remaining sat still while he made his way out to the kitchen, first, then to the bed where Ed lay, sleeping and clawing beside him for something. Hawkeye sighed softly, shaking her head. "I feel like a mother whenever I deal with you guys."
The Sergeant pushed up his glasses. "Well, you kind of took that role. I think even Ed will appreciate it more, if you gave him a smile or two."
"Maybe…"