Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist. Boo hoo.
Jessie: First off…
Pause
OH MY GOD! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR OVER 200 REVIEWS!!!
Joh: Throws confetti Wheeeee!
Jessie: Now then, straight to the point… Runs in circles Ahhhh! I feel so guilty; I'm sooooo sorry it took me so freakin' long to update! I've been really busy, and haven't had the chance to sit down and write… and when I tried I had writer's block!
Joh: Huggles Poor baby…
Jessie: Sniffles Thank you all so much for being so loyal; I can't believe how patient ya'll are! …Please… don't hate me Sweatdrops I'm so sorry for da wait. If it's any consolation whatsoever, I tried to write a long chappie.
Joh: Thumbs up Good for you!
Jessie: Thank you to everyone who responded in their reviews for da last chapter; it helped me come to a (pretty much) final decision for the conclusion of my fic; I figure there's only a few more chapters left! So, with that, on with da fic!
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Thoughtful, golden eyes carefully studied a slip of colored paper he held loosely between two fingers, biting the inside of his cheek nervously and shifting his chin to rest on his free hand more comfortably. Envy –sitting across the table from his lover– watched intently, hoping against (what was quite obviously) all odds that Ed would come to make his final decision, therefore bringing his current predicament to a conclusion
Five minutes of silence was interrupted with:
"…Shiiiiit… this has gotta be the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my entire life…" Ed whined hopelessly, letting the sample color slip from his grasp to join the other hundred scattered every which way on the table. Envy, restraining from yanking his hair in frustration, instead reached over to take Ed's hand into his own.
"Well, Edo, I'm sure you'll manage to bring yourself to a conclusion," Envy said dramatically, squeezing Ed's hand softly. Ed's eyes narrowed toward the androgynous figure across from him.
"Well, it's not exactly as if you're helping… or even pretending to (like you usually would for that matter)," Ed retorted accusingly, pulling his hands away from Envy and sitting further back in his chair, crossing his arms in a huff. Envy sighed, rolling his eyes for the umpteenth time.
"Chibi, I'm well aware that your pregnancy screws around with your common sense; so I'll say it again. It doesn't fucking matter what fucking color we paint the fucking room," Envy said slowly. Ed glared icily at the Homunculus.
"Oh yeah, I'm sure it would do wonders to fuck up some little boy's psyche by forcing him to sleep in a pink room," Ed deadpanned. Envy snorted loudly (although he had to admit, his chibi did have a point...)
"Ne, 'O chibi-san, I think you're taking this just a little too seriously…"
"Well you're not taking this seriously at all!" Ed shot back, dropping another slip of paper back onto the tabletop.
"And besides…" he paused, waiting until his had Envy's undivided attention once more. He sniffed softly, a helpless expression fixating itself on his features.
"…It matters to me."
Envy was able to hold his stoic expression for a respectable five minutes before he cracked with a heavy, grievous sigh at the sound of a pathetic whimper escaping Ed's lips. 'That is so not fair…'
"Okay, okay, calm down, Edo," Envy murmured, closing his eyes before opening them again to gaze wearily at his chibi.
"Just… go through the options again…" Ed raised an eyebrow, dropping the innocent act entirely.
"What; you weren't listening the first ten times?" Ed asked suspiciously. Envy hurriedly raised his hands, shaking his head rapidly. Ed narrowed his eyes slightly, but slowly nodded.
The blonde quickly sorted the many colors somewhat; so that they were all grouped together by their relative color.
Edward had been at this for hours, now. Roy and Hughes had come over before to help them completely clear out what had used to be referred to by Ed and Envy as 'the guest bedroom' (though it was used for storage more than anything) so that they could convert it to be the baby's room; it was also convenient that the room was located right across the hall.
Although it had taken an intense discussion about the baby's health, a threat of a tripled workload when he returned to work and some bribery on Envy's behalf, Roy, Hughes and Envy had finally persuaded Ed to promise that he would not attempt to help with the paint job; in return, the three promised that they would abide exactly by Ed's final decision as well-- this seemed to satisfy the chibi.
"Alright… there's a lotta different shades of red…"
"Nah."
"Orange--"
"Nuh uh."
"Yellow?"
"No."
"…Green."
"Hmmm… well, actually, no."
"…Blue--"
"Is definitely too boyish."
"Purple?"
"Nope."
"…Pink?"
"Too girly."
"…White."
"No... Besides, that not really a color, it's a tone," Envy replied, sounding offended, as if the offer implied that he wasn't aware of the technicality.
Raking his fingers through his hair, Ed took a long, deep shaky breath in, willing himself not to reach out to strangle the Homunculus in front of him.
"Okay. Okay. Well, Envy, if you're so seemingly against all of these options, what do you suggest we do?" Ed asked, his voice dangerously sweet.
"The sky," Envy replied off the bat with a casual shrug.
Ed blinked a few times, more than slightly taken aback.
"…When did you come up with that idea?" Ed asked quietly, golden eyes boring into violet ones curiously.
"After you went through the options the second time," Envy interrupted with a smirk. Ed's eyes widened, and he gape incredulously at the
"After the second… second time? If you got the idea way back then, why the fuck didn't you speak up before now?" Ed exploded, jumping to his feet and slamming his hands down on the table. Envy shrugged carelessly.
"Before, every time I tried to say something you'd just keep on talking, or yell at me for interrupting. 'Sides…" Envy grinned mischievously, and Ed immediately knew he wasn't going to like what the Sin was about to say next…
"It was funny."
Ed twitched visibly, but knew Envy couldn't possibly be finished yet. That statement hadn't pissed him off too much more; he could've immediately expected that, coming from Envy. So it had to be something much, much worse than that; something that so simple that he had missed--
"…Annnnd you never asked."
Twitch.
Clang
"Fuuuck!"
XxXxXxXxXx
Envy padded down the hallway, taking great care not to make a sound; as to keep from alerting his target of his unanticipated presence. Once he'd reached his destination (a.k.a. the wall separating the hallway from the kitchen) he peered around the doorway. A small half smile, half smirk tugged the corners of his lips upwards.
Nearly three weeks had passed since Ed had started using the excuse from work Brian had given him so long ago. Although Edward happened to be completely oblivious to the stark truth, not working for such an extended period off time had caused a great deal of change in the young blonde. The alchemist was just so used to spending all his time working on some project or going about a mission that he just could not stay still.
In the past, Envy would tease Ed whenever he cleaned without hesitation. However, as of late, whenever Ed would get up to clean something, the Sin would stay (quite surprisingly) quiet about it. What went completely unnoticed by the chibi was that Envy had realized that, in the span of those three weeks, it seemed that Ed's nesting urges had finally decided to kick in.
Envy quietly observed his lover as Ed struggled desperately not to let it show that he could barely sit down for a matter of minutes --unless, of course he was with his companion; then again, that was on a different level entirely-- without itching to search for something to clean up.
Having had decided long ago that he really didn't want Ed to find a way to permanently castrate him (as he so often threatened), Envy kept quiet about his knowledge of the humorous effects of Edward Elric's domestication.
But even without Envy spreading the news, there was someone else that knew about the strange changes in Edward's behavior-- the key factor that had started a camaraderie that anyone would consider odd.
This new acquaintanceship would be the (almost warm) bond the Homunculus was beginning to form with the youngest Elric. Both Envy and Al took more than just a little amusement in Ed's new antics and had found that, at least in this regard, they could relate.
Hence the reason Envy was grinning from ear to ear as he watched the golden chibi washing the dishes-- though he'd never let the small blonde know he watched him whenever he thought he was alone (Envy had made sure Ed thought he was sleeping upstairs).
Envy heard the gentle clink of metal on porcelain as the blonde teen cautiously washed the dishes. Ed had pulled his hair back into a messy ponytail to keep it from getting in the way. He was so completely absorbed in the task of hand that he did not hear the Sin slowly sneaking up behind him. He'd just lifted another plate out of the sink filled with warm, soapy water when Envy snaked an arm around his waist.
Ed gasped and gave a start, so startled the dish managed to slip from his grasp. Envy's other hand readily caught it, grinning at Ed's bewildered expression and lazily dropping it back into the basin-- water sloshed up against the sides of the sink, dripping down the front of the counter.
"Envy, what the fuck are you doing?" Ed hissed, blushing furiously while he tried to pry Envy's hand from his waist. Envy's other arm wrapped defiantly across his chest and brought the humiliated blonde closer. Ed's struggles gradually ceased in response to the gentle nips Envy placed strategically to the back of his neck. He sighed heavily, pushing his hair to the side and tilting his head back in resignation to allow better across to the sensitive area Envy's lips were seeking.
"Mmm… you're not gonna get off that easily, y'know," Ed mumbled, though by this point he'd given up the battle of keeping his eyes open long ago. Envy chuckled softly before turning the golden chibi around; pinning him against the front of the sink and pressing their lips together hotly.
Ed moaned loudly into his mouth, moving his hands to Envy's shoulders for support. Water-sick fingers massaged the back of Envy's neck, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine.
Finally they broke apart, leaving Ed gasping and Envy smirking triumphantly.
"Quite the contrary, Edo-- I know I can," Envy purred teasingly. Ed snorted and rolled his eyes, turning back to return to the dishes-- but not without Envy noticing the small smirk playing on Ed's lips.
"In any case, what I really wanna know is exactly what the fuck you were doing sneaking up on me like that; you told me you were gonna take a nap," Ed reminded Envy accusingly, lifting another dish out of the sudsy water and glancing back at the Homunculus questioningly. Envy shrugged slightly.
"I got bored."
"…Sooo you decide to stalk me for entertainment?" Ed deadpanned; wiping the dish dry with a cloth before setting it aside on the stack of dishes already cleaned.
"Hey-- it's not you don't enjoy it… you think it's kinky, don't you?" Envy asked slyly. Ed's eyes widened and he quickly shook his head; his rapidly growing blush, however, told a different story.
"Well aren't you just the kinkiest, sexiest little chibi I ever did see?" Envy cackled, embracing the spluttering Ed happily.
"WHO YOU CALLING SO SMALL HE—" Ed's angry rant was subdued by a sudden gasp that escaped his throat when Envy bit his shoulder a little harder than he normally would.
"Ne, sorry Edo; you're making me horny," Envy muttered against Ed's skin. Ed tensed, and weakly tried to pull away from the embrace.
"E-Envy, st…stop it…" Ed gulped, hating the way he stuttered.
"But the dishes don't need you; I do!" Envy complained, a pout starting to become evident on his features. Ed sighed softly, and turned back around to his sulking lover.
Envy blinked in surprise when Ed's arms encircled his neck and pulled his head lower so Ed could pull him into a (surprisingly raunchy) kiss. Ed's fingers trailed through the Homunculus' long, emerald hair, leaving wet trails where they touched. Envy leaned closer to deepen their kiss… before Ed abruptly turned away, leaving him blinking in confusion as his blonde returned to the chore.
"Go find something else to do," Ed commanded as he refilled the now-empty basin with water once again. Envy's jaw dropped, and he stared at the young alchemist incredulously.
"Whaa--? But O' chibi-san," Envy whined, tugging on Ed's braid when the teen didn't even bother to turn around, yet still, there was no response.
With an impatient growl Envy finally gave up trying to win Ed's attention back, crossing his arms in a huff; if there was one thing that Envy hated most of all, it was being ignored.
Ed mentally sighed in relief when there was no further whining coming from his lover-- to be honest he was pretty sure he might have cracked if Envy hadn't shut up just then.
Five minutes of well-earned silence (on Edward's behalf) passed with Envy glowering at the dry stack of dishes and Ed quietly cleaning them.
"…Dammnit, Edo; I'm sooo bored… its unbe-fucking-lievable," Envy finally groaned.
"Well you're in luck, then; I'm finished," Ed replied easily, placing the last plate onto the stack and shaking his hands of excess water.
"…Already?" Envy blinked, sounding confused. Ed grabbed a dry hand towel before sending Envy a blank look.
"If you would have actually left me alone, it's quite possible that I would have finished faster," Ed said between gritted teeth, busy making sure his automail arm was completely dry.
"Aww, I'm sorry, chibi-chan; is there anything I could do to make it up to you?" Envy asked sarcastically. Ed stared at him before a slow smirk spread across his lips.
"How kind of you to ask, as a matter of fact, yes there is," Edward said sweetly. Envy blinked at these unexpected words.
"Say what?"
"You can put away all these dishes," Ed stated, although Envy didn't miss the commanding tone in his voice.
"Have fun," Ed called, sashaying out of the room, leaving a bewildered Sin staring after him. After a minute, Envy deemed it safe to stare incredulously at the dishes on the counter. His eyes narrowed toward the innocent stack of plates.
"Why are you getting all the attention-- he's not your lover, he's mine."
XxXxXxXxXx
Ring…ring
Silence.
Ring…ring
"Mmm… Envy?"
Ring…ring
"Whaaaaaat?"
Ring…ring
"It's the phone…"
Ring…ring
"…I know it's the phone, Ed. Why don't you pick it up?"
Ring…ring
"…"
"…"
"…Don't wanna…"
Ring…ring
"Fuck you," Envy grumbled and, with a sigh, he flopped onto his stomach, blindly reaching out to grope for the phone on the table nearby.
"'Lo?" Envy greeted carelessly before yawning loudly into the mouthpiece; he was treated with a dirty look sent from the sleepy blonde, pointed at the rude greeting.
Envy listened for a few moments before making an affirmative noise in his throat, pausing for a moment as he listened more intently.
"Who'sit?" Ed asked groggily, stringing his syllables together so that his sentence was nearly incoherent.
"It's the she-devil," Envy muttered as he shoved the phone into Ed's grasp. Ed rolled his eyes –too tired to retort– and lifted the phones to his ear.
"Hey… Winry? Yeah… it's me-- what's up?" Ed winced at the loud, cheerful voice emitted through the speaker.
"What; you are? When?" Ed exclaimed suddenly; voice cracking slightly. Envy raised an eyebrow in response to seeing Ed's eyes widen as much as they could in his semi-conscious state.
"No! Not at all; really, it's not a problem… no, we'd be happy to have you," Ed said hastily, flashing a helpless expression toward Envy.
"Alright… guess I'll be seeing you 'round five, then, 'kay? 'Kay… Bye."
Ed reached over to replace the phone on its base; Envy only just noticed the sudden pallor of Ed's expression, and the recently exchanged conversation finally managed to click in his mind.
"You so did not just do what I think you did…"
"…Please tell me I didn't…"
XxXxXxXxXx
"Edward, it's so good to see you!" Winry exclaimed happily, dropping her bag and launching toward the bewildered State alchemist at what would be neck breaking speed, nearly toppling the smaller blonde over. Her companion sighed (although he was nevertheless amused) and leaned down to pick up the fallen suitcase.
"Hey, Alphonse," Envy greeted from behind his, as of now, captive chibi.
"Hello, Envy," Al replied with a warm smile, genuinely happy to see the Homunculus.
"How've things been in the boondocks?" Envy asked, watching Ed struggling to break away from Winry's tight embrace with mild interest.
"Mmm, it's been pretty quiet in Rizembool… nothing too interesting; all the action is here with you guys," Al laughed.
"Yeah; I'll bet," Envy snorted.
"Geez, Ed; I never see you anymore, now that you don't go about breaking your automail every other week," Winry pouted, crossing her arms. Ed was about to counter the hidden accusation defensively, but instead he paused, cracking a grin as her words sank in.
"Heh; if I didn't know any better, I'd say that was a complaint, Winry Rockbell," Ed said slyly.
"Don't you get any ideas, you alchemy-Otaku; it's not like I enjoyed having to pull all-nighters for you every time you came around," Winry retorted. Ed rolled his eyes playfully and turned away to greet his brother happily.
Winry's gaze slowly traveled around the familiar hallway, taking everything in. Suddenly she frowned, obviously confused about something. Envy watched her eyes narrow in concentration before she blinked and turned back to face Envy in finality.
"Is it just me, or is really, really clean in here?" She asked dubiously. She was rewarded with a snickering Envy and Alphonse along with a furiously blushing Edward.
"Ah, a-anyways, what brought you two around to visit?" Ed interjected before he actually had to explain anything to his friend. Both Al and Winry broke out into bright smiles.
"We wanted to help you get ready for the baby," Winry said enthusiastically with Al nodding his assent.
"Is there anything else you need to do that we could help with?" Al asked earnestly.
Envy and Ed exchanged a quick glance.
"Um, let's see… well, we've still gotta put together the furniture, right? Isn't it just sitting in boxes outside the baby's room?" Ed asked Envy, who nodded.
"Yup. Roy and Hughes already volunteered to help paint, so that job's been taken… oh… and didn't that creepy, family-obsessed guy's wife mention we still had to go shopping for clothes 'n stuff?" Envy reminded. Ed's eyes widened.
"Oh yeah! We still have to go shopping for clothes and toys and things to decorate the room… sheesh, we still have more stuff to do than I thought," Ed muttered. The golden chibi turned from Envy to face their two guests.
"So… do y'think you'd be up for shop—"
"Yes!"
"Yeah!"
"Ne…I think they just might like that idea, Edo…"
"No, y'don't say…"
XxXxXxXxXx
"Winry, put it back!"
"No way; it's adorable!" Winry yelled, clutching the small dress to her chest defensively.
"You're just jealous 'cause I have better taste in clothes than you!" She sniffed.
"Ah, Winry? I think Al's got a point… maybe you should give the "it's-definitely-gonna-be-a-girl" obsession a rest," Ed said cautiously, trying to reason with the fiery girl.
"Ha! See? Even Nii-san think's it's gonna be a boy!" Al exclaimed victoriously.
"Hah? Now wait just a second, Al; I never said that--"
"Exactly! He thinks it's gonna be a girl, too!"
"Arrrgh!"
Envy calmly steered the shopping wagon ahead of the three bickering friends, blocking the argument from his head; by this point, he'd found it was best not to interfere a long time ago.
"Ne, O' chibi-san; how much more time do we have to do this?" Envy intervened, glancing back to the seething blonde curiously. Ed met his gaze, and frowned.
"Well, Envy, it depends on how much longer these two decide to keep on fighting," Ed sighed. Envy nodded curtly before turning his gaze to their guests.
"Alright, then; shut up and get some actual business done so we can get the fuck outta here," he said nonchalantly; he was rewarded with a rather intimate encounter with Winry's wrench.
Winry and Al continued to walk ahead; dragging a mildly concerned Ed with them as they indifferently passed the Homunculus doubled over in pain, clutching his abused head.
After a few moments had passed the androgynous Sin had caught up with them, glowering murderously at the huffy mechanic's back.
It had taken a long time, but Al and Winry had been able to convince the blonde to come out shopping with them the very next day. So far they had managed to keep anyone from questioning Ed's gender by having the alchemist wear his hair down, along with just a plain T-shirt and pants.
Of course, this didn't mean Ed was happy about his predicament. No, the Fullmetal Alchemist was not happy about the circumstance-- he kept toying with his hair, obviously uncomfortable about wearing it down in public.
Al's wandering eyes had apparently caught something of interest, for the brunette stopped in his tracks, thus bringing both blondes to a halt as well.
"Hey, Nii-san, what do you think of this?" Al asked with a teasing grin as he lifted a misplaced maternity dress off a random rack they were passing. An angry blush rushed to Edward's face, and he spluttered incoherently for a moment, eventually settling for a disturbed glare.
"…Does anyone else find anything wrong with that image?" He asked between clenched teeth, turning his glare to the snickering Homunculus at his side.
"Actually…" Winry began, gazing at Ed and blinking thoughtfully. Ed's eyes widened.
"Please don't say a word," The blonde alchemist begged; his expression turning to one of pure horror.
Al, Winry and Envy exchanged amused glances (though, admittedly, Envy's gave away that fact that he found there was more sadistic pleasure in the thought rather than entertainment) before bursting out in hysterical laughing.
Only just realizing they had been joking, Ed's horror-struck features formed a pout, and he crossed his arms.
"That's not funny," he grumbled as he turned his head away, slightly flushed.
"I beg to differ," Envy snickered, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. Suddenly Ed found himself pulled close against the Homunculus.
"I also find the idea incredibly kinky; the thought is a turn on like you wouldn't believe," he whispered discreetly into Ed's ear, running his hands down Ed's sides. Ed gaped at his smirking lover, golden eyes wide with indignation.
"Mmm? Is something wrong, Nii-san?" Al asked his flushed brother worriedly, realizing that he and Winry had walked ahead of the couple whom had long since stopped in their tracks.
"I-it's, uh, it's nothing of your… concern, Al," Ed stuttered nervously as he hastily fumbled for the words of choice, shooting a glare into laughing violet eyes once Al's questioning eyes had moved away from him.
Envy made to follow after Alphonse and Winry, but was stopped from any further movement when Ed grabbed his wrist. He glanced at the blonde inquisitively and raised an eyebrow at Ed's half-lidded gaze.
"If it's that much of a turn on for ya, I'll consider it," Ed purred in the sultriest tone Envy had heard coming from him in the past three months. With a sly wink and a short peck on the lips Ed hurried off to talk to his brother. Envy blinked, and, with a sigh slowly started off after his chibi, trying his very best not to think about how damn sexy Ed could actually be, even when pregnant…
…Dammnit-- too late.
At last, after an excruciatingly long twenty minutes, Winry announced that they were finished, and lead the way to the cashier to pay.
"Are you all together?" The clerk asked pleasantly, intrigued by the diverse-looking group.
"Yeah," Al replied, helping the woman put everything onto the counter; he was rewarded with a smile and a mildly surprised "thank you."
As she finished ringing everything up, her gaze fell on Edward who was currently staring longingly out the window of the shop.
"Oh-- is all of this stuff for you, Miss?" She asked, nodding at him. Envy tapped him on the shoulder when he didn't respond, and his golden eyes met hers.
"Sorry; what'd you say?"
"This is all for your baby, right?" She repeated. He slowly nodded, not understanding why Winry and Al were inconspicuously trying to stifle laughter.
"Well, congratulations to you and your partner, Little Missy," she called after them happily as they walked out the door.
"Gosh, they just keep getting younger and younger," she said conversationally to another clerk, who nodded her assent as they watched them rush off; only just noticing the small "girl's" (more-than-slightly murderous) expression.
"At least she looks likes she in good hands," she murmured to herself, raising an eyebrow at the strange scene the group was providing outside-- the person she still wasn't sure whether to decide if it was a girl or a boy restraining the pregnant, ranting teenager while the other two accompanying them laughed.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Finally!" Ed gasped, dropping the many shopping bags on the floor and plopping down on the couch. Envy followed suit; letting the bags fall from his arms and settling alongside the exhausted blonde.
"It's a wonder you can keep things so tidy here if that's the way you leave things around," Winry sighed exasperatedly, shaking her head toward the lounging duo.
"Mmm… you say something', Win?" Ed asked, lazily sprawling out across Envy's lap. Winry rolled her eyes before stomping out of the room, carrying her many bags with her.
"Never underestimate the power of hormones," Al said slyly, grinning broadly as he picked up both his Ed's and Envy's bags, rushing out of the room before his hot-headed brother had a chance to process the hidden message.
"Little brothers…" Ed muttered under his breath. He shrugged to himself and sighed heavily, toying absentmindedly at a loose strand of Envy's hair. The two remained quiet for a little bit, listening to the sounds of the friends arguing playfully upstairs.
"Meh; they make a good couple," Envy blurted out randomly. Ed closed his eyes and smiled.
"Yeah, they do."
They exchanged a glance before breaking out in smirks.
"Al's just gonna go through hell with her," Ed snickered, Envy nodding in agreement.
Envy was just about to reply vocally when, out of nowhere, a book was thrown at them, hitting him square on the back of his head.
"Oops-- sorry, Envy!" Winry said, sweatdropping at the sight of the Homunculus holding his head, clearly in pain.
"Winry, what is this?" Ed asked, picking up the fallen book that now lay on the floor by his feet. Winry walked over behind the couch and plucked it out of Ed's grasp.
"It's a book of baby names; it caught my eye when we were passing the story books. I bought it myself as a present for the two of you," she said, smiling.
"Thanks, Winry," he said, sounding vaguely surprised by the kind gesture. As she walked off he started skimming through the--
"Hey, waitaminute-- Winry, these are all girls' names!"
XxXxXxXxXx
"Renee?"
"No way, that sounds too old…"
"Michelle?"
"Hmm… I dunno."
"Okay," Ed said, putting a small mark next to the name so that he'd now to come back to it later; he'd figured out by the twentieth name that anything that didn't immediately go rejected by Envy –for some reason or another– was one that caught his interest (though apparently he didn't want to admit it).
"Mmm… Ka…thrine?" Ed asked, yawning mid-name. Envy looked at the blonde from the corner of his eye and saw him sleepily rubbing his eyes.
"Ne, Edo, we can come back to this tomorrow-- it's already really late," Envy murmured, running his fingers through Ed's long, golden hair. Ed nodded, and set the book aside on the night-table; turning off the light and lying down with a sigh.
Envy shifted slightly so Ed was nestled up right against him. Immediately it was quiet. At once Envy knew Ed had to be thinking about something, because even Edward didn't usually fall asleep quite that fast.
"Hey, Envy?" Ed started at last, breaking the silence.
"Hmm?"
Ed turned his head so he was looking directly into Envy's face.
"Be honest with me: do you think you're ready for this kid? " Ed asked softly, looking utterly serious.
Envy averted his gaze from Ed's piercing eyes for a few moments, thinking carefully. Finally, his eyes met Ed's once more, and he smiled slightly.
"Not in the least."
There was a long silence.
"Good; neither am I."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jessie: Stares blankly That was so short…
Joh: Nee-san, you did the best you could.
Jessie: So… short.
Joh: Sighs Jessie…
Jessie: Teary eyed I'm sooo sorry! That was in no way long enough of a chappie for a month-long break!
Joh: Shakes head I'm not getting into this…
Jessie: Please don't hate me; I totally know what's gonna happen next, so don't worry! There will not be another huge wait like that!
Joh: Ano, Sis, you've got a lot of responding to do…
Jessie: Flips out Oh my God, I got so many freakin' reviews; still can't believe it's over 200…
Joh: I'm going to sleep now.
Jessie: …
DarkNinjaBunneh: Aw, but "squee-ing" is so much fun!
cuylerjade: Yosh; this chapter was fluffy! Wink Yup; names came into play this chappie! S'aank you for your input of your preference!
HolyMistress: Gasps and glomps all the plushies Squee Thank yoooou! I hope you enjoyed your shower scene-- I just couldn't resist the angst! Kodak moments are da bomb. I love writing fluff… hooray for your cousin! Huggles Glad you liked the chapter, and I like candy, too! Throws tons of candy for you
An Angel Flying with broken...: Thanks! I'm glad you think so!
aruslym: Thanks for da input-- biased answer, much? Dies laughing
siverrain: Blushes I'm happy you like it so much! Thanks a lot for your input; it means a lot to me that people actually read my notes… XD Yeaaah. SURPRISE, ENVY AND EDO! Throws sparkles
FISHTaNK the Evil Fangirl: Oh, okay-- just wondering if there were two "Stephs" out there 3 Shaw, Wrath is sooo cute! Hands you Wrath plushie Thanks for reviewing! Be happy!
Solo Maxwell-Yamato: Bakes huge batch of chocolate chip cookies I love spoiling you in my review responses; it makes me happy! Grins N'ways, glad you enjoyed the chappie. Ed and Izumi equal baaad things… Cuddles S'aank you for da review!
NightPredator: Heh; Alu does have a wittle crush! Starry eyed He is just too cute. Oh; thanks for your input! We'll see what happens!
Shimoariku: Thanks for telling me your preferences! Wrath is a mischievous little guy; I can totally see where you're comin' from! Shaw, the chapter was long because I wasn't gonna update for a while… but I have now! Thanks for da review and all your kind comments!
Kaoru Gal: Aw, somebody needs a huuuug! Kisses My poor indecisive twiny! It's okay; I know of your Depressed!Edo fetish XD It's all good! I love you sooo much!
Forever Yours Zana: Obsesses over Envy plushie while eating chocolates I think I adore you. Yes, I figured a hormonal, pregnant Ed was best suited to go with the classic, "OMG, you threw me a baby shower-- I love you guys!" reaction. HavocxFuery rocks! As you said--"SPREAD THE LUFF!" I am SO happy you like da fic so much! Thanks very much for your gender preferences input! I love you, too! Huggles
loathed wolf spirit: Poor, poor Envy… he suffers because Ed suffers. N'ways, thank you for responding and telling me what you're hopin' for! Lust and Wrath rock! Hurray for spontaneous appearances! Whoot!
Sunako Kanzaki: I updated… I know it's not all that soon, but I did, and that's what counts, ne? Sorry for da wait… Glad you liked it-- hope you liked this chappie, too!!
Light-Hideko: Honestly, Izumi scares me to death… I also applaud Envy's braveness; see, he really will do anything for his chibi! Oh, God; if Armstrong had showed up… Shudder Don't wanna think 'bout it. Wide eyed You're serious about having made a pic for me? Tears There really are nice people out there! I love you. S'aank yoooou! (Yeah, it's the thought that counts!)
hyperdude: 1.) I love your user name!!! 2.) Random popping up of Homunculi is really fun to write! 3.) Glad you liked the chapter, hope you liked this one, too.
darkangel36: Hurray HavocxFuery! Giggles Yup; they're almost parents! I'm glad you thought it was a good baby shower-- hurray for unexpected visiting Homunculi!
Hachikara-chan: Goth baby… Rolling on da floor laughing Awesome. Thanks for your input for the gender preferences! Hope you're still enjoying the ficcy!
envy's flame: Thanks for telling me what you're looking forward to! Very funny thought, indeed! Laughs Here's the next chapter; I am so sorry for the huge wait… Yay, I have a loyal fan! Huggles
SexySpoonsWillRuleUsAll: Edvy moments CUTENESS! Glad you like it!
frogger666: Envy a daddy… Giggles That is such a strange thought! I'm so sorry the wait was so long… forgive me? Puppy dog expression
wolf-deamon333: Thank you for telling' me your preference for the baby! Shaw… Izumi is horrfying… Shudders
IshizuWolfRider: Blushes I'm so happy you like it! Very relieved to hear you think it's in character (especially with the couple)! Thanks for giving me an idea of your preference!
SoulfulZen: Nah, Lust was just accompanying Wrath; I didn't mean to put her in as da mother figure… Shrugs Oh well! S'aank you for your comments, and I hope you continue to think my writing's good! Ah-- and thank you for sharing your ideas for the baby with me!
ryougabriellucile: Thank you VERY much for telling me what you think the baby should look like 'n stuff!
Strlight99: "Huggles" rocks my socks! You wanna see our big, strong Homunculus cry? …I think you might've just inspired me… Winks S'aank you! Thanks for tellin' me what gender ya want the baby to be!
Me And My God Complex: Glad ya thought so! Hope this chappie was good, too!
RandomlyYours: Spazzes Omg, you used my "Onii-chan's" favie word! Dies laughing "Preggers;" hahahahaha! Shaw, it's Ed's turn to get knocked up! Envy needs a freakin' break!
Jedi Mistress 1990: Blinks before smiling happily I'm so glad my ficcy made an exception for ya; mpreg rocks! I know you'll eventually get da courage! And if ya need help, you can ask me! Hands you requested Neji plushie and tons of Pocky Thank you sooo much!
Genki-angel-chan: I'm happy you like it, and think it's cute! Oh, and thanks for telling me your gender preference for the baby!
Alchemist of the Flame: Thanks for answering my note about what gender you want the baby! Hahaha, poor Winry… guess you don't like her much, huh? Then again, she terrifies me, so… Sweatdrops Uh, yeah. Thanks for reviewing!
ArtemisRoseShadow: Blushes happily I love you, too! Thanks for da review!
Zoorzh: Ah, of course I can't resist the puppy dog face of a reviewer! Here's your update (sorry it took for friggin' long) and I hope you enjoy it! You inspired me when you mentioned explaining how Envy 'n Edo got together… so I might just do that! Thank you so much for puttin' me on your favies; I feel so loved!
Mana-san: Yes, we do need Kodak… Hahaha! A twist would be crazy… Starts giggling Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Kaori Shie: Kay, first off I wanna thank you for giving me such an in depth explanation of what you're lookin' forward to! Y'also gave me a bit of inspiration; thank you for that, too! The Colonel, making bets? Hmmm… maaaybe… maaaybe not! Winks Thanks for da review!
sprinkle-chan: Squee! I'm happy my chappie made ya happy! And now I've updated (though I know it's been a while… sorry!) Smiles sheepishly
Pyralis Ambika: I died laughing when I read your review! -"Hugs a disturbed Envy"- I'm glad you like fluff, 'cause I do, too! S'aank you for telling me what preference you have for the baby's gender 'n all!
TOOL.2: Thank you for telling me what you're looking forward to when the baby arrives! Aww, Edo 'n Envy are gonna be parents! Starry eyed
MysticMaiden 18: Thanks for telling me what your preference is for the baby! And thank you so much for reviewing! Smiles
(Thank you all for being so incredibly patient as I went through my extreme period of writer's block! I know exactly what follows this chapter, so don't worry; I'm probably gonna be writing like crazy! Chocolate and ice cream sundaes to all reviewers! Please review! Tood-lee-oodles!