Chapter 12!!!

Ok, so I know I said I would probably be close to finishing around now ((I've been saying stuff like that since chapter three...)) but I'm not so sure anymore. GOD I'M SORRY!! Don't forsake me!! Really, I won't take more than two or three more! I promise!! Oh, creative mind, why doth thou do this to meee?! -sighs- I really am sorry about this. I had intended for this to be only eight chapters long, then only ten, then only twelve, and now I'm thinking fourteen or fifteen. I'm really bad at this whole 'chapter guessing' thing.

Anyway, this chapter was WAY easier than its predecessors. Don't ask me why. It just came easier. Maybe it was because I was having a rough time here at home and that helped me write Envy's little spazz attacks. XD Who knows? But yes, there is some yaoi content right around the end; you'll know it when it comes up. And it does go until the end of this chapter. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Skip if you don't want to read it. Ok. so, that's my rant for this chapter. Enjoy the chapter that was, once again, SUPPOSED to be the end.

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Ed was surprised at the fact that Envy had managed to keep his voice fairly low, regardless of his clearly fraying nerves. In fact, the alchemist found it fascinating overall that the homunculus had kept control as well as he had. It wasn't like Envy not to hurt Ed when the blond got 'cheeky'. However, at the offer of being 'helped', Envy's face dictated that his last thread of reserve had been snapped quite efficiently. Yet he still didn't yell. He didn't even say anything. And, clearly, it was due to some sort of distraction.

Envy's piercing violet eyes were fixated on the door, only occasionally darting in Ed's general direction. What was he thinking now? Just what was he up to? Suddenly, without a word, Envy once again enveloped his body in that white light of his, shrinking back down into the guise of the kitten. As such, he wandered over to Ed's side, snuggling in against the alchemist's body.

"Get away from me," Ed hissed, "I'm not going to be part of your stupid lies."

The 'cat' looked angrily up at Ed, but didn't move. It wasn't like the blond could do anything anyway, restrained the way he was.

Then, at the end of the room, the door swung open, Lust's elegant form standing in the entrance. She walked in without a word, the only sound in the room being the sound of her high heels and the measured sound of Ed's breathing. Walking over to stand in front of the bound alchemist, Lust leaned down and smiled at him. Ed shivered in spite of himself.

"Do you mind if I borrow that?" she asked pleasantly, gesturing with her eyes to the resting 'kitten'.

Ed shook his head. "Go for it. It's not mine."

Nodding her appreciation, Lust beamed, "Thank you." Then, pleasant demeanor fading quickly, she lashed out and caught the shape shifter by the scruff of his neck, holding the small creature up to her face as she straightened out. The female homunculus then said almost more to the cat than Ed, "I suppose I should return it to its 'owner'. He must miss it by now. And I'm certain I'll find him in his room."

The 'kitten' flailed in Lust's grasp, struggling to gain its freedom. Finally relenting to his hopeless situation, Envy shifted back, pulling angrily away from the other homunculus. "Would you lay off!" he snapped irritably, "That hurts you know!"

"I had a feeling it was you," Lust smiled, unfazed by Envy's unrestrained frustration. "Didn't Dante tell you to stay away from here?"

Snarling through his teeth, Envy retorted, "I didn't put myself here. You did."

Lust sighed dramatically, looking more than a little bored with Envy's immaturity. "So what were you and Fullmetal arguing about?" she asked as if Ed wasn't even there.

"It's none of your business," the shape shifter sneered arrogantly.

Ed's eyes darted back and forth between the two of them. He'd never actually seen them interact outside of their little plots. And suddenly, the alchemist was less than convinced of their being partners. The passive aggression underlying every word they spoke to one another was frightening. Ed was surprised the two hadn't killed each other yet.

However, the blond was jarred out of his thoughts as Lust addressed him. "Fullmetal, what were you talking to Envy about?"

"Huh? Me?" Ed flushed slightly, feeling somewhat awkward speaking to the homunculi so casually. It was beyond normal or expected. "I-I don't know if I should really…"

Lust's brilliant eyes gleamed as she cut him off softly, "Trust me, you should."

Clearly not impressed with being sloughed off, Envy grabbed Lust's face and forced her to meet his cynically vicious gaze. "Look you," he growled with forced civil temperament, "I will not be ignored, and I don't think you have any right to nose into any of this."

The female homunculus' eyes flashed venomously at the brazen tone her 'companion' was taking with her. Seizing his wrist, she pulled his hand away from her face, snarling back with equal resentment, "I can do whatever I damn well feel like, thank you. And quite frankly, as your partner, I have every right to know what you're doing; especially on my watch shift."

This would get interesting. Ed had never seen - or even heard of - a fight between two homunculi. Really, all he'd ever been told of anything along those lines was Greed's distaste for the others. But judging by the way things were going, he'd finally get to see two go at each other. Wait, could they even kill each other?

"You're not my partner by choice," Envy continued to counter, "In fact, I prefer to work alone. Your sappy emotions hold us back."

"Is that so?" Lust's voice was becoming threatening, her patience obviously running low. "Well then, I suppose you won't mind when my 'sappy emotions' lead me to tell Dante of just where you've been?"

Envy's face paled. Visibly, the shape shifter was not high on the idea of 'Dante' being told. But that didn't make sense. Dante had died, hadn't she? Greed had killed her; Ed had seen it. So then, just who were they referring to?

The male homunculus forced a cocky smile, but his fear was still evident in the wavering of his voice. "Careful what you say sweetie," he scorned, "Chibi-chan doesn't need to learn more than he already knows."

"Odd of you to say that, seeing as you've been spending so much time with him lately."

Now Envy's back was against the wall. Lust had cornered him verbally and was now taking one shot after another. She was weaseling her way to an answer, and the alchemist was impressed. He'd never seen anyone handle Envy so well before. But apparently, Envy wasn't going to go down without kicking and screaming; at least metaphorically.

"Oh? And just what would you know about that?" he smiled bitterly, "Last I heard, you were defending that very fact against Dante. Besides, I'm not like you. I don't just blab all of our secrets to people."

Lust remained calm, not allowing herself to be distracted by Envy's clear attempt at diversion. "I'm afraid you're mistaken," she replied coolly, "I, unlike you, do not associate myself so personally with our target. Now, if you don't want Dante to know of your little…disobedience, then I suggest you simply swallow that unnecessarily large amount of pride you have and answer my earlier question."

The snarl that came through Envy's gritted teeth could be described as nothing less than furious resignation. It was plain that the shape shifter realized he was in a losing battle, and even more obvious that he didn't like it. Ed was startled to find that he showed just as little control around others as he did around the alchemist. At least now Ed could be sure it wasn't just him.

"Fine," Envy scoffed indignantly, "We were just talking about my hostile mannerisms when I'm around him."

Ed flinched. That was the worst understatement he'd ever heard. 'Hostile mannerisms'? It was more like murderous intent. But it was true that was what they'd been discussing. And that was also the reason Ed felt he now had a chance to save himself - and possibly countless others - from Envy's deadly tendencies.

Smiling with her apparent victory, and continuing to ignore the blond, Lust asked easily, "And just what did you say, hm? What explanation did you give him?"

Envy had perceptibly come to terms with his defeat as his entire posture seemed less tense, his voice less strained. "Just this and that. All chibi-chan asked was why I felt he belonged to me."

"Wait; does that mean you told him that he belonged to you?"

Why was Lust suddenly so interested in what Envy had told Ed? The alchemist glanced between the two homunculi again. There was something going on here that he didn't quite grasp. He had to review what he knew. So far, from what Gerard had told him, what Envy had inadvertently told him, and what he'd seen, Lust had forced Envy to see the psychiatrist. Ed couldn't be sure why, but it noticeably had something to do with him. Then, Envy started acting weirder than usual, always speaking with underlying fear whenever the idea of Ed leaving the homunculus came up. After that, Ed was kidnapped and, evidently, held in a place where Envy was not supposed to get to him. Finally, Envy had slipped up and said that 'Ed was his and no one else's'. But what did that have to do with anything?

Envy seemed reluctant to answer her question, but gave in regardless, not wanting to start another verbal tennis match. "I'm not sure why, but yeah, I said that." Could he have made it sound any less important?

"So you accepted it," Lust smiled softly, her mocking demeanor fading for one Ed didn't recognize, "You now see what we all see."

Snorting in an unimpressed manner, Envy retorted, "Don't say it like that. It's not like some huge revelation or something. I just…came to terms with myself. What's the big deal anyway?"

The female homunculus ignored the other's question. "So Fullmetal wanted to know why you felt that way, correct?" she asked, "Just what did you tell him?"

"Didn't you ask this already?"

Great; Envy's attitude was kicking in again. Ed wanted answers as badly as Lust did, and judging by the change in mannerisms, he figured he'd be fairly safe to give his two cents. After all, he had different questions, and perhaps helping her would help him.

"He said it had to do with revenge against my family," Ed offered from where he sat, drawing both homunculus' attention to himself. "He said he wants me to suffer the way he has, and that he feels only he has the right to do that to me. I remind him of everything he's lost."

Sneering cynically at the blond, Envy derided, "Isn't that cute? You remembered it all."

Lust had now begun ignoring her 'partner', her full attention on Ed. It wasn't even negative attention. She seemed genuinely interested now. "And how did you take that?"

"What is this, another fucking psychiatric session?" Envy was getting irritable again. No surprise there, but Ed would have to be careful of just what he said. The last thing he needed now was for the shape shifter to get physical.

The alchemist swallowed dryly, trying to think of just how to put it. Would he be doing more harm then good by telling her? No, her eyes told him that she was just as concerned about Envy as Ed was, not that Ed would admit to that anytime soon. That must have been part of her reason for sending him to Gerard in the first place. Perhaps she was a homunculus he could trust.

Slowly, he said, "I…I was shocked at first. I hadn't realized that his hatred was more than just senseless violence; it had never occurred to me that maybe, in some way, I hurt him. I mean, I've seen almost human-like qualities in you and Greed, but never in Envy. He's always seemed so callous, so distant, that I thought he was just some sort of deranged lunatic. But now? Now I see that he's suffered, just as you or I have, and that he's been forced to endure it much longer than we have. He…he's in pain, and his only solution is to inflict the same pain on others."

Envy wasn't even looking at Ed anymore, his face a mask of disgust and frustration. Lust, however, was enraptured by what the alchemist had to say, clearly gaining some sort of foothold with every word Ed spoke.

"Go on," she said, hiding her enthusiasm behind a measured tone of voice and unwavering stare.

The blond nodded, glancing only momentarily at Envy. "I figured, since I know it's not me, specifically, that he hates and that I know he has these human emotions, I could help him." Ed stared imploringly at Lust. "You have to understand, I don't want to have to kill any of you; you all have the same right to live as we do. After all, it was our stupidity, our sins, that gave you all life, right? What right do we have to take that away from you? But I can't just stand by and let you hurt or manipulate people either! I know that you, Lust, only want your humanity. I respect that. And I honestly think that, given the chance, I can find the humanity that Envy's tried so hard to bury all these years."

"Bullshit," Envy scoffed, "Humans are weak, emotional, ridiculous, disgusting, creatures. Why would I, a homunculus, want to shed my immortality for that? I can't be killed, I'm stronger than you or any other human on this planet could possibly imagine, and I will live to see the day when all of your pitiful species dies; the day when all who have ever caused me pain die, ridding me of the horrid reminders of my existence!" The shape shifter turned away angrily, flustered by the conversation and the ideas that were being presented; or so Ed guessed.

However, as he moved to leave, Lust cut him off with her fingers, piercing the door with them and preventing his escape. "Can you hear yourself?" she demanded coldly, "Do you know what you just said? I see what Fullmetal saw. Why do you live like this, Envy? Why do you deny your own self?"

Growling irately, Envy eyes were liquid malice as he stared the two down. "Oh, so now you're both going to gang up on me, is that it? Well good fucking luck." The emerald-black haired man's temper was beyond control now, his posture, tone, and eyes giving away just how upset he was. "I am not going to be part of this pity party, this emotional love fest. Why don't you two 'humans' go make out in a corner and leave me be? I have other things to do than listen to this shit."

But Lust had two hands, and she was by no means afraid to use the other one. Reaching across her body with her free hand, Lust easily caught Envy's shoulder with one of her deadly nails. Ed flinched involuntarily as he watched the digit pierce through the other's joint. That had to hurt.

"You aren't going anywhere," Lust said flatly, "Not until you grow up and decide to listen."

Attempting to pull against the finger that was holding him to the far wall, Envy hissed acidly, "And just what is there to listen to, hm? More of your emotional drabble?!"

The female homunculus didn't bother responding to the shape shifter's incensed demands. Instead, she turned her attention back to Ed. "So, Fullmetal, do you honestly think you can help this idiot?"

"The 'idiot' is RIGHT HERE!!!" Envy practically shrieked, having lost his temper beyond recollection.

Ed winced at the homunculus' raised voice. He couldn't help it. When Envy shouted, it often meant pain for someone; and by no stretch was it tolerable pain. But Ed quickly remembered that Envy wasn't exactly in a position to hurt anyone, and focused on Lust's calm demeanor. How she could stay so collected was beyond him; perhaps she'd learned to deal with Envy's 'mood swings' due to their partnership.

Taking a breath to calm his nerves, Ed answered, "I think I may be the only one who can. Whatever pain it is he's suffered - that's made him the way he is - is somehow attributed to me. It's like I'm some sort of 'representation' of whatever it is that's hurting him, and that's why I think I can help him." The alchemist smiled faintly. "But your help would be greatly appreciated."

"Do you just partner with everyone who's out to spite me?!" the forgotten shape shiftered demanded. "First Dante and now chibi-chan?!?!"

Lust looked towards him and flicked her finger irritably, the sound of her nail cutting through his flesh making Ed cringe. The blond had never been more relieved that Envy was a homunculus.

Sneering at his obvious pain, Lust scolded, "Why don't you just shut up for a while? After all, we wouldn't want Dante knowing you're here, would we?"

"I don't think you'd want her to find our you're plotting with chibi-chan either," Envy retorted, oddly confident considering his situation.

The dark haired woman's smile remained. Was confidence just a homunculus thing?? "Ah, but who would be punished more severely? I, who have only now slipped out of line, or you, who has been defying her for almost a week now?"

That caught Envy's attention. Ed only wished he knew just what they were talking about. Obviously, this 'Dante' person - whether she was the same one or not - held quite a bit of power over them. Both were using the name as a threat. And what was this 'defiance' thing now? Was what Envy had been doing just for Envy's own pleasure?

But Ed was forced to pay attention once again, as Lust spoke to him without ever taking her eyes off the pinned shape shifter. "Fullmetal, listen. I'll give you twenty four hours to do what you can. I can't be with you all the time, but I will be when I can. If you can really do what you claim…well, I may just be on your side."

"Oh, go to Hell!" Envy shot, still struggling defiantly, "Who says I'll even cooperate?"

Removing her hand from the door, Lust turned her deadly fingers on Ed's bonds, freeing the alchemist. "I do," she replied smoothly, "And I don't think Edward here is going to be much of a pushover either."

Ed rubbed at his wrist experimentally. No real damage had been done. It was sore and his automail was scuffed, but that much was to be expected. His ankle hurt less; the pain little more than a slight twinge when he put pressure on it. And the mark on his automail there was less noticeable. But Ed didn't have the time to worry about himself. He had to think of some way to 'help' Envy. Furthermore, judging by Envy's attitude, it wasn't going to be easy.

"Lust?" Ed asked hesitantly, debating with himself whether he had the right idea or not, "Let him down."

She looked at him questioningly, obviously not grasping just what he was getting at.

Smiling slightly, the alchemist clarified, "He's not going to get any more cooperative if we keep hanging him there."

The woman glanced between the two of them before reluctantly following through. She retracted her fingers and allowed Envy to find his freedom. And he did. The shape shifter quickly backed away from her; whether by instinct or choice, Ed wasn't sure. He then glared coldly at both of them, eyes pure fury and resentment. Well, so much for any gratitude.

"Envy, calm down," Ed tried hopefully, "We're not trying to hurt you."

Growling like a cornered animal, Envy snarled, "Don't talk to me like that you little prick. I'd fucking kill you if she wasn't here."

Great; his temper really was lost. But what was Ed supposed to do about it? Attacking him would only provoke the homunculus further, and Lust was much too willing to hurt Envy. No, Ed had to find another angle, and he had a pretty good idea of which one. Not again…

The blond took several deep breaths before moving slowly towards Envy. There was no point in saying anything; the shape shifter wasn't listening. But actions spoke louder than words. From behind, Ed could hear Lust taking up a position should Envy try anything. Well, at least he knew someone had his back. Envy didn't move from where he stood, his eyes narrowing as Ed grew closer, his shoulders tensing.

"Do you have a death wish chibi-chan?" the homunculus sneered dangerously. Yeah, Envy was in a bad mood, but not bad enough to drop the nickname yet. That was a good sign.

And so Ed pressed forward until he and Envy were nearly toe to toe. The alchemist could see that every muscle in the homunculus' well toned body was tensed, prepared to do whatever they may have to. Ed would have to act fairly quickly. So, tossing away any and all reserve he had, Ed gave into his emotions just as he had the night before, throwing his arms around Envy's neck and capturing the other man's lips hungrily.

At first, Envy grabbed at Ed's body, moving to pull the alchemist away. But as Ed pressed further, deepening the passion of the moment, the homunculus' body relaxed. Ed could feel the tension slip from Envy's body. That was a relief. His plan had worked, again. He'd definitely have to thank that boy in the mess hall. Then it hit. If Envy had really been doing what he'd been doing to hurt Ed, why would he enjoy it when the alchemist initiated it? Unless there was something else; some sort of actual desire.

Panic hit hard and Ed pulled away, stumbling backwards and turning his eyes away. Shit! Sure, he'd calmed Envy's temper, but in the same instant, he had also realized just how accurate that psychiatrist had been. Envy really did 'want' Ed. It wasn't just hatred or jealously or something manageable like that; it was full fledged need to have Ed, the alchemist having felt it in the way Envy had reacted.

Apparently, however, Envy didn't like being blown off like that. Snorting indignantly, Envy shot, "Well, I'm sorry if I did something wrong, chibi-chan, but you started it."

"N-no," Ed stammered, "It's…never mind." What was he supposed to say? The records of the session said themselves that Envy didn't believe in the whole concept. Pushing it would just anger the shape shifter again. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like Lust shared the same tact.

Voice cutting in smoothly, she answered, "He's realized the same thing everyone but you has. You want him, Envy, and that scares him a bit."

But Envy didn't react the way Ed had expected him to. He didn't yell or defend himself, he simply stared at her. Then, slowly, he turned his eyes to the alchemist, and Ed didn't see the all too common malice or violence. It was more like confused inquiry or childish wonder, and it almost frightened the blond more than the hostility. Suddenly, before Ed had time to react, Envy had lashed out, pulling Ed's body against his own, wrapping his arms about the smaller man's waist, kissing adoringly at the blonde's flushed face.

"You know what?" the shape shifter purred seductively, "You're right. I do want chibi-chan." He then nipped playfully at Ed's reddened ear. "But it's purely physical." With that finalizing statement, Envy ground his hips against Ed's backside, causing the alchemist to gasp sharply. Ok, so having Envy hold him from behind was a little more than awkward. He'd unquestionably keep that one in mind.

Lust rolled her eyes but made no move to dislodge the shape shifter from the flustered alchemist. "Should I give you two a minute to work this out of your systems?" she asked with a raise of her eyebrow, "Or are you done?"

Almost callously, Envy shoved Edward away from him, absently raking his long finger through his thick emerald-black hair. "I'm done," he shrugged indifferently, "Are you?"

"With what?" she spat coldly.

The shape shifter gestured broadly about the room. "With this; this whole 'let's drag out Envy's therapy' session."

Lust smiled cynically, replying mockingly, "You think that little act is going to get you out of this? Don't count on it. Now I even know what the two of you have been up to."

"Why are you insisting so badly that I go through with this?" Envy demanded, ignoring her subtle threat, "I don't understand what you're trying to accomplish!"

Self-preservation, Ed thought bitterly, still picking up the pieces of his wounded dignity. Not that the bastard would know anything about that.

But Lust took it upon herself to continue arguing with the other homunculus. "What don't you understand? You were human once, Envy, just like I was. But you've forgotten that, and now you're bitter and hateful. Does that not bother you? You said yourself how much you hurt."

"And I also said I have no desire to become that which causes me pain," Envy countered, "I simply want to cause the pain back, to get even. These ridiculous humans have to learn just how much suffering they put us through for their mistakes!"

"Envy, you're just hurting them for your own satisfaction!"

Ed sighed heavily; they were getting angry with each other again. Just how did these two ever manage to work together? Wearily, the blond cut in, "Could you two not argue, please? I can't imagine either of you want this 'Dante' person to hear you yelling at each other in here."

Envy snorted angrily but gave no verbal response; Lust simply shook her head and turned away from the shape shifter. At least Ed had gotten his point across. Now to actually make some progress.

"You said we could have twenty four hours, right?" Ed asked Lust calmly.

She nodded curtly. "I can probably sneak you two out of here later tonight. Do you have somewhere we could go?"

Thinking for a moment, Ed quickly ruled out his military dorm. It had been hard enough having Envy there the first time. Having both the shape shifter and Lust there, especially with their tendencies to argue, would be down right impossible. So they'd have to take refuge in a hotel yet again. But not the same one; Roy would look there if he decided to look anywhere. They could pick later. "A hotel," Ed answered finally, "A nice one too. That way we can each have our own room should we need it."

"Not keen to share a bed with me again chibi-chan?" Envy mocked snidely.

Ed blushed but refused to answer the homunculus' malicious question. He still had to think of a plan. However, for the time being, the main problem would be getting out from wherever it was they were. And, clearly, Lust realized this as well.

Sighing softly, the woman said, "You two stay here. I'm going to go monitor just where that person…" an almost malicious glance was sent in Envy's direction, "…is. I'll be back when we have our window." And with that, Lust took her leave, closing the heavy door behind her.

The alchemist stared at the door for a moment before turning his large amber eyes on Envy. The shape shifter was still standing angrily off to one side, apparently not too eager to speak with Ed as his violet eyes wandered the room distractedly. But Ed had to ask, had to set something straight.

"Envy?" he muttered, "Are…are you ok?"

Snorting, Envy shot back, "Go to Hell."

Ed winced. Ok, so the shape shifter's mood had nose dived again. That just meant a little more tact was required when broaching the subject. "Look, I'm sorry ok?" Ed tried, his voice sounding a little more irritated than he'd intended, "But you brought this on yourself."

"How the hell did I do that, hm?" Ah the venomous sarcastic approach. Wonderful.

"You won't let it go," the blond responded calmly, "The past, I mean. I understand that you've been hurt before, but so have I. Don't think my life's been a bed of roses. The only reason I've managed to move on so well is because I don't cling to what I've done. If anything, I've learned from it and set goals to rectify what went wrong. You? You just turned your pain into negative energy that you release on others. That's not my fault."

Envy's eyes flashed furiously and he lunged at Ed, catching the alchemist's wrist. Obviously the other man had been going for the teen's throat, but Ed had managed to get his automail in the way before any damage could be done. Snarling through clenched teeth, Envy hissed, "Don't ever compare yourself to me again!"

Meeting Envy's icy glare, Ed retorted, "And why not? Just what is it that hurt you so badly?"

The homunculus tensed, his mind evidently looking for just what to say. But nothing was said. Instead, Envy scoffed heatedly and tossed Ed aside. The alchemist retained his balance, only stumbling slightly as he was put off. Whatever had damaged Envy so badly was clearly not something the shape shifter was willing to talk about. Well, that hadn't been what Ed had wanted to know anyway.

"I didn't want to ask you about that," Ed apologized, "You just brought it up. I thought maybe…"

"Well keep you fucking thoughts to yourself." Envy had cut him off, mood worse than it had been only moments before. Damn him and his stupid mood swings. The homunculus was almost like a scorned child in that way.

Rubbing at his forehead to keep his patience in check, Ed tried again. "Envy I just want to clear something up," he pressed, not dissuaded quite yet. After all, Envy hadn't really attacked him yet.

An indignant snort was all Ed got as a response, Envy not even bothering to look at the alchemist anymore. Ed would have to make a mental note of that habit; Envy wouldn't meet his eyes if he was upset.

"What you said earlier to Lust, that was just to get her off your back, right?" Ed could feel the heat on his face as he asked. He was being vague too. Ed would be lucky if Envy even knew what the hell he was talking about.

Frowning slightly, Envy turned his eyes back to Ed, tilting his head in mild confusion. "What are you getting at chibi-chan?"

The alchemist hated how awkward he felt. Nothing had ever made him feel this uncomfortable; or this afraid. For some reason, some part of Ed feared just what Envy's response would be. "Wh-when you said that you w-wanted me." Damn it! He was stammering now too?!

Silence fell between the two for a moment before Envy began to laugh. And it wasn't strictly mocking laughter either. True, the element of mockery was there, but there was also a feel of genuine amusement behind it. Ed wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or irritated.

"Is that what you're worried about chibi-chan?" Envy smiled, "What would you like me to say, hm?"

Ed wasn't sure. At first, he'd felt positively repulsed by the idea of Envy's need to possess him, but some inner part of him longed for that embrace again, that feeling of being wanted. No! That couldn't be right! Ed shook his head furiously in an attempt to rid his mind of such a thought. He didn't want Envy to want him. He just wanted it be a game for the homunculus; some sick attempt at revenge! Or did he?

Realizing that the shape shifter was still staring teasingly at him, Ed tripped verbally in an attempt to answer him. "Wh-what kind of question…? I mean it's not me we're…This is your…Just answer honestly!"

Envy laughed harder, buckling over and holding his sides. The stupid prick was getting more amusement out of this than Ed had intended. Well, at least a happy Envy was better than an angry one. And Ed couldn't help but smile as well at Envy's laughter. There was no malice in it; just simple delight, and Ed had never heard him laugh like that before. It was…cute.

Wiping a tear from the corner of his eye, Envy let his laughter wear down as he straightened up. "Alright then chibi-chan, I'll answer you honestly. But only if you answer one my questions first."

"What?! But I asked first!" Not this again. Why did Envy like this question game so much?

Envy shrugged and smiled derisively. "Too bad. I'm making the rules."

The alchemist sighed huffily but realized he'd have to play Envy's little game if he wanted to get any answers. Besides, what could Envy possibly want to know? "Fine," he answered in forced resignation, "I'll answer your question first."

"Good," Envy beamed, "And no cheating this time, ok chibi-chan?"

"Would you stop calling me that?!" Ed was really starting to get fed up with it. It was practically every second word out of the bastard's mouth.

Smile still firmly in place, Envy ignored the outburst and asked all to casually, "Just how much do you enjoy it when I fuck you?"

Ok, the question was worse than Ed had anticipated. Why would Envy even ask that?! And the arrogant bastard was enjoying how much Ed was struggling too!! The alchemist had never hated himself more than he had in the past three days.

Face flushed horribly, Ed stuttered, "I-I don't…I mean I…W-well you…We…AGH!!" The alchemist buried his heated face in his hands, too flustered and confused to answer the question. What the hell was he supposed to say?! He didn't even know the answer!!

Suddenly, Ed found his face being lifted to meet Envy's. When had the homunculus gotten so close?! Holding the alchemist firmly in place, Envy kissed Ed fondly, whispereing against the smaller man's lips, "Why don't I extract that answer from you?"

"Wh-what are you…?" But Ed's words caught in his throat as Envy's hot tongue ran along the alchemist jaw and neck line. Gasping instinctively, Ed leaned his head back, fixing his now half-lidded eyes on the ceiling. If he just focused on how it felt, his conscience wouldn't get involved. After all, it was who it was that scared Ed so badly, not so much what was being done.

Envy's hands were on Ed's waist now, quite forcefully pushing the alchemist backwards until they hit the wall. And then those long, nimble fingers went to work on Ed's belt. No, not here. Lust was coming back, wasn't she? What was Envy thinking?

However, when Ed opened his mouth to protest, Envy purred, "Shh, chibi-chan, I won't take too long with you."

Was that supposed to be reassuring? It wasn't, if that was the intention. Not that Ed was given much time to think on it. His heavy belt hit the floor with a muted 'thump'and Envy's indulgent kisses were now focused on Ed's chest. Why did they have to kidnap him without a shirt? Ed arched up against the homunculus' skilled mouth as Envy's tongue teased one of Ed's sensitive nipples. The stupid bastard was getting better at this.

Dragging his taunting caresses back up to Ed's face, Envy muttered, "Do something for me, chibi-chan?"

Ed could barely focus on the homunculus' words, the shape shifter's hands proving sufficiently distracting as they'd managed to work their way into Ed's boxers. "Ah," the alchemist choked out, "Wh-what? Oh god!"

"Call my name," Envy smiled, nipping at the blonde's reddened ear.

What?! Was this some sort of sick joke? Why did he…? But once again, Envy's clever fingers managed to drag Ed's mind back to the present, teasing the younger man's desire without reserve. As the homunculus took one, long, pleasure-seeking stroke, Ed cried out obediently, "Ah! Envy!"

"Louder," the homunculus insisted, tightening his grip on Ed's hardening length.

Ed could barely find his voice under Envy's passionate torture. But he had to. Swallowing hard, the alchemist practically screamed, "E-Envy!!"

Licking at the Ed's face, Envy pressed, "Good. Now beg me."

The pleasure was blinding, Ed's mind practically blank from it all. To Hell with his dignity. He wanted what Envy could give him. Digging his hands into Envy's flamboyant hair, Ed whimpered, "God, Envy, please. I need you; I need more."

Chuckling against Ed's face, Envy kissed the boy's cheek softly. "That's what I thought," he breathed.

To Be Continued...