Comment: A calm before the storm, a light before the everlasting darkness, waves before tidal waves . . . With all they have faced, all they have learned about themselves and each other, there's always more to learn and reveal, more truths behind the masks they set so carefully into place . . . But with knowledge comes responsibility and nothing is ever without a price to pay . . .
Finally, as promised, we will learn more about the origins of the minor characters as well as the truth of some things that have remained shrouded in mystery . . . Following this chapter XD Sorry, had to get a laugh at that. ^^ I'm serious though, I don't break promises anymore than Naruto does so have faith in me. But hey, there's a lemon to make up for it, cause that's just how it happened. See, I have no control on what happens, I can only hope that whatever plot bunnies start hounding me will make their way into the story. I'm still a little nervous about writing sensual scenes, especially with Ed and his spastic nature and the smugness that Mustang will forever possess. Blame the characters, or thank them, Ed threatened to tied me up outside if he didn't get a stress relieving sexual encounter with a tall, dark, and sexy Flame Alchemist soon. Haha. Hope you enjoyed. The serious shit will hit the fan soon, now that they are free of the tunnels. If that ruined it for you, shame on you, don't read the comment first.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Fullmetal Alchemist. Those belong to Kishimoto-sensei and Arakawa-sama. I do own the thumbnail, totally mine, made it in paint and used photobuckets nifty toys to make it look cool. lol.
A/N: This is my attempt at a war/army fic and there is many warnings to be taken into account with regards to this story in later chapters. This was written for Cupricanka just because she's awesome.
Additional Warning: Long Chapter, Language, dark themes, violence.
Chapter 23
Destiny calls upon the hour
Within us lies the power
To change the path unwanted
To follow our hearts desires
For the hunter to become hunted
No matter what transpires
Though he was leading the group that was of little consequence, he did not chose to lead the group, he wishes to remain behind and to wait. Still he knew more of his lover's best friend than he did his lover and yet he still felt incomplete, insecure without his presence. Those golden eyes and hair was the sun to his dark and with the darkness about him and the shadows that hid many a mans' nightmares, literally given what they'd already seen, he desperately did not wish to relinquish his sun.
Roy let out a heavy sigh and scolded himself for his poetic thoughts, he had to trust Ed to take care of himself and accomplish his mission. He needed to focus on the task set before him, finding the others and getting everyone through this pasture and through the forest miles ahead in one piece and alive. Riza stood next to him, alert despite how tired and weary she must be feeling and the others remained silent in the night, trying not to call attention to themselves because of those minions.
Shikamaru was walking behind Riza with Tsunade at his side while Neji and Kakashi were behind them. Considering the small size of their group it was more likely they would be attacked since they were greatly outnumbered. Until the sun began to rise they would have to stay alert and keep moving even though Roy's stomach tied itself tighter into knots with the more distance they created between themselves and those they'd had to leave behind. Not only was his lover still in those tunnels, but his best friend and his best friends' lover and Tsunade's daughter.
"Sir," Riza's discreet voice broke him from his thoughts and he turned his head to regard her in the pale light of the moon.
"Yes, what is it?"
"I believe we should seek shelter in the forest to make camp until the others catch up."
Roy fought the urge to smile, Ever the thoughtful one this woman is, he thought to himself. He looked ahead to the forest they were steadily approaching and then glanced at those following behind him. Everyone was exhausted and in need of rest. They would still need at least two others to keep watch, most likely at the very least of four-hour intervals so that some amount of rest could be had for everyone. None of them could stay up the entire night and it would do any of them any good to expend their energy and not be alert during the day. Though at the moment their concern was directed at the other worldly beings threatening them there were still threats to be cautious of during the daylight hours. They were still within Germany and sure enough in all the time spent in the tunnels, all of them were listed as traitors and deserters and were sought after by the Nazi forces stretched across Europe.
Roy nodded, "I believe you're correct, we will set up camp and those looking to be in the best of condition will take the first watch."
Riza nodded and Roy looked forward again hiding his relief at her suggestion that allowed them to be practical and still meet a compromise to what he truly wished to do. He focused his mind on his surroundings; taking in the scent of the grass, the light of the moon and starry sky overhead. He took in the sounds around him, the crunch of their footsteps, the quick breaths from the exertion of all of them pushing their tired and worn bodies farther in hopes to rest. He took in the feelings of worry and thoughtful atmosphere that still managed to permeate through their watchful and tense mindsets.
Alyssa raced through the tunnels quickly with Naruto at her heels as he carried an exhausted Sasuke on his back, Ed was holding off the minions and Alyssa could sense that he at least wasn't all that far from her. She searched through the knowledge of the tunnels from memories of Ed's travels and her own and made a sharp left turn not thinking of giving a warning to Naruto of the sudden change in direction. If she was correct their should be a ladder leading up into the sewers only fifty feet down this tunnel and then twenty feet down a tunnel that veered to the right. She raced through the tunnels as Naruto fought to keep up.
His breath was ragged, his muscles sore, his chest burned from the strain of his running and the only thing that kept him from running into the walls with the sudden turns was the fact that Sasuke was on his back. The raven was resting his forehead on the crook of the back of his neck and left shoulder and his arms were loosely draped over and around his shoulder. The only way Sasuke was even trying to help Naruto carry him was how his thighs squeezed his hips and that was mostly because Naruto was running with his arms hooked around his legs and under his knees to try and hold him steady.
"Right Aly, go right!" Ed's voice shouted from behind them as he finally caught up to them. Alyssa made a sharp right and once again Naruto struggled to follow her ending up tripping over his own feet and scraping his knees roughly as he fought to steady himself and the force of his fall to keep from dropping Sasuke.
"Baka," Sasuke muttered tiredly into his neck and Naruto scoffed and brought up his leg adjusting Sasuke on his back to try and regain his feet. He was suddenly grabbed by his left arm and pulled to his feet and looked to see Ed standing there with a smirk.
"Come on clumsy," Ed said with a short laugh turning slightly around to watch for any approaching threats as Naruto re-situated Sasuke and set off down the tunnel looking and listening for Alyssa. He heard Ed call out to him, "Veer to the left and you'll see her," Naruto did as instructed and sure enough he saw Alyssa standing there thanks to that enhanced sight of his. When he was within reach of her she raised her hand and made a fist opening it to reveal a lavender flame conjured from thin air. She glanced up and Naruto followed her gaze feeling a breath of relief rush through him and loosen the anxious knot in his gut a little at the sight of the ladder.
Sasuke grunted against him and moved his arms so that his hands gripped Naruto's shoulders, he fidgeted and Naruto helped him regain his feet. As soon as Sasuke's feet touched the ground he swayed dangerously and his grip on Naruto's shoulders increased to almost painful as he tried to steady himself. Alyssa looked up at both of them, "I'll go first, then Sasuke, then you and Eddie, okay?"
Naruto glanced at Sasuke who gave a curt nod before one hand released Naruto's shoulder to cradle his head. He would have to go right behind Sasuke to make sure he could make it up the ladder, he glanced up at it again, it was too narrow at the top to allow room for Naruto to carry him all the way to the top. Ed ran up to them, panting, sweating, and obviously tired but he still managed to radiate determination and strength. He glanced at Alyssa, gave her a toothy grin and then glanced up before looking at Naruto, "Alright then, you carry Sasuke on your back until you reach the top . . . " Ed glanced at Sasuke, "I don't think he's in good enough shape to make it to the top by himself."
Alyssa sighed, "Eddie, that's going to leave you-"
"I'm fine Alyssa, don't argue with me right now, get going," Ed's tone of voice was authoritative and left no room for argument.
Naruto looked at Ed questionably, it wasn't like Ed to snap at Alyssa let alone use a stern tone with her. Usually Ed was just as easygoing and laid back as himself. Alyssa bowed her head to Ed and then turned and began to go up the ladder, as soon as her right hand that was once holding the lavender flame touched the rung they were cast in the same darkness as before. Naruto watched her go up the ladder and was about to say something when Ed cut him off, "Get moving, she's not helpless but I'd feel better if someone was up there with her quickly."
Naruto nodded and stepped forward grabbing one of the rungs with his right hand and grabbing Sasuke's hand still resting on his shoulder with the other. Sasuke let out a irritated huff before he positioned his arms around Naruto's neck and clung to him as Naruto started to ascend the ladder. It wasn't until he was nearly at the top and waiting for Alyssa to help Sasuke up into the sewers that he heard Ed starting to climb the ladder.
Naruto was climbing up himself and had just climbed out of the tunnels when Alyssa peered down into the tunnel and yelled out, "Hurry up Ed, they're getting closer."
Naruto got to his feet and was at Sasuke's side as the rush of adrenaline rushed through him from those words. He should have worried over how they would get to the surface and whether or not either Alyssa or Ed knew their way through these sewers but those words reminded him of all they'd been through. That false security of thinking the sewers were any amount safer than the tunnels made him feel foolish. He pulled Sasuke to his feet and put his arm around his waist to support his weight.
It was rare that the proud Uchiha was this out of it and exhausted, but having not slept in at least four days, fighting constantly and running for the last forty-eight, and then being scared to the point of just pushing hysteria, probably from lack of sleep, was very draining and it showed immensely. Even in this darkness Sasuke was paler than usual, regardless of the grime and blood on his clothes and skin. His voice was hoarse, rough, and barely audible when he spoke. Naruto hated seeing him like this and his lovers' current condition made him that much more worried, stressed, and anxious to meet up with the others.
Ed climbed out of the tunnel turned on his knees in his squatted position and Alyssa wordlessly slid the heavy lid to him. Ed slid the lid in place and then his hands clapped loudly and electric blue lit up the area around them sharply, momentarily blinding them as Ed slammed his hands down on the lid. Once Naruto's eyes adjusted again he looked to where the lid was and noticed that Ed had sealed the opening shut, it was likely he'd forced some of the foundation around him to seal off the ladder as well just as an extra precaution.
Ed stood quickly, jumping to his feet, seized Alyssa's hand and looked sharply at Naruto telling him to come on, Naruto nodded and supporting Sasuke with his arm around his waist while his other arm pulled Sasuke's arm over his shoulder to help him practically carry the slightly taller and lighter man he followed after Ed as best as he could. All this time using his Daizen abilities so that he could see in the night was catching up with him and he secretly hoped that they'd fight an exit soon, even if it didn't mean that they would be any safer outside. He never did like enclosed spaces and he'd had more than enough of dark tunnels, sewers, chimera's, humunculi, and demons to last him the rest of his life.
Naruto grunted with the effort and energy it took to support Sasuke's weight and managed to catch up to Ed, grateful the other blond had slowed down some to give him the chance to do so.
"We're not that far from the exit and with any luck it will be approaching dawn so those damn things won't follow us out."
"Considering our luck, I hope the odds are in our favor," Naruto managed. Alyssa glanced over his shoulder with a brilliant smile on her face that Naruto couldn't help but to return and they set off, Ed leading the way.
Havoc ground his heel on the cigarette butt as he glanced up at the sky, they'd managed to survive the night again, he thought with a smirk. The sky was already dusted with pinks, yellows, and oranges and the dark blue was beginning to turn a lighter shade of blue overhead. They'd stumbled across a run down barn to stay in and it was his job to walk the perimeter outside during the last six hours of night while Kiba kept to the roof keeping an eye out for anyone or anything approaching and Winry walked the inside of the barn. It was a hard schedule and all three of them were forced to stretch themselves pretty thin, being officers, and trusted leaders that everyone knew. Gaara was the one who covered the night shift before Kiba and Jean was grateful for that, the red haired kid still gave him the creeps.
Havoc sighed as he ran his hand through his hair and focused his gaze back to the area around him. There was plenty of land, but the weather was beginning to turn bitter and cold and there was a chill in the air. It would be fall soon, which meant a lot of rain and then winter followed with too much snow and too cold weather. He thought of the young woman that he had to relieve of watch, she was a tough woman, and it was quite obvious that she and Winry had much in common. Mostly their attitudes, stern natures, and their tomboyish habits. Neither of them radiated feminine characteristics, other than physically, the same way most women Havoc had been around did, well until he'd met them at least.
But, there was Hinata, the young woman that Kiba fancied, she was very feminine, but there were times where she wasn't shy to put Kiba in his place and make him use some discretion. Though he worried over everyone else and how long it would be before they started losing more soldiers or their own lives, he couldn't help but to be grateful for the entertainment his current company provided. It was remarkable that a bunch of kids could be in the military and still possess some of their childlike qualities. Then of course, he was reminded that they were deadly, stealthy, trained and experienced soldiers and fighters when it came to any opposition or threats. Watching them fight, seeing their strength, it was inspirational the same way it was unsettling.
He estimated that it had been nearly a week since they'd made it out of those tunnels and had to part ways with everyone, but it could be more or less. With all that was going on and all that had taken place time was indiscernible, an acute concern. The sun was starting to rise and the dark of the night was very nearly gone for the next eleven or so hours when Havoc finally walked towards the barn doors to be greeted by a tired but smiling Winry looking at him through the crack in the door.
He saluted with a grin out of habit and then scratched his neck idly, "Ja, the sun's come up."
Winry's smile brightened and her eyes looked past him, "Yes it has. Are you feeling up to heading towards the town half a mile down the road for some supplies?"
Havoc's grin faded and his hand dropped to his side, "Are you serious, I'm hardly the one for a job like-"
"You're exactly the person for such a task. You're not an officer for nothing and I know full well that you've had stealth training. I'm not some idle foot soldier that knows nothing about the army. I am not going to have you go alone, I am merely asking if you wished to get some sleep and some rations in you before hand."
Havoc let out a sigh, "Ja-Yes. I'll eat, catch a nap and then go," he managed in a defeated tone. He'd learned quickly that there was no winning a fight with Winry. Thing was, trying to argue with her let him know why Ed was so good at arguing and getting his way with things, he'd grown up with someone just as stubborn to argue with. Havoc smirked as he stepped inside and nodded a greeting to the soldier that walked past him. He watched Winry walk away heading towards where Temari, Hinata, and Riku were handing out the last of the rations.
He could name most of the soldiers but usually he didn't spend much time talking to them, he had his hands full with Winry and Kiba making him live up to his rank. The soldiers still came to him with their concerns, asking if he knew what would happen to them, when would they get out of Germany, where were the other officers, or what was going on. That was the reason Havoc truly tried not to have conversations with them, he didn't feel up to the task of answering their questions and didn't really want to have to think that far ahead. It made him feel like a coward really, here he was older than most of the kids who were taking up the reigns, and he was also a seasoned, experienced officer and he was handing off responsibilities to those younger than himself.
He stood up a little straighter and rolled his shoulders to try and work some of the tension out of them, it was time he grew up and acted like the adult he was around here. He'd go to town, with whoever was going with him, get what they needed and protect his companion. Then he'd come back and he'd sit down and try to help come up with a plan of action.
"Finally," Ed said with a relieved and stretching his arms over his head as he climbed out of the sewers. Naruto was now carrying Sasuke bridal style and the brunette had his head resting on his shoulder with his left arm lazily around his neck and shoulder and the other resting on his stomach. Naruto shifted him in his arms and didn't like how light Sasuke felt.
It was dawn, thankfully, now they just had to find the others and they could finally get some much needed sleep, hopefully. Alyssa jumped up and down in place with a innocent, joyful smile on her face waving her arms in front of her to get Ed's attention. Naruto smiled warmly at the display, though the girl had unsettled him with her mature and knowing gaze and older way of speaking that didn't suit one who looked as young as her, she was growing on him. It was times like this, when she acted like a child, so innocent, happy, and energetic that he felt endearment for her. Then of course, seeing Ed scoop her up in his arms with a grin stretching from ear to ear and both of them laughing made it easier to like her.
Ed turned towards Naruto adjusting Alyssa in his arms so that she was seated on his hip with her arms loosely around his neck to hold herself in place. Ed's grin faltered a bit, but he fought to keep it as he looked him over carefully. Naruto was doing the same now that they had daylight to aid their sight, Ed and Alyssa were filthy, though he was sure neither he nor Sasuke were any better. They both numerous scrapes, bruises, grazes, and cuts all over them but Alyssa looked to be in better condition than any of them.
Sasuke groaned in his arms and Naruto looked down, some of the color leaving his face at the sight of the dark patches of blood on the Uchiha's clothes. He hadn't noticed any serious injuries before and he let out a sympathetic hiss upon noticed the bruised, violent graze running along the left side of Sasuke's jaw and the bruised cut on the top right side of his forehead. Naruto's eyes raked over the soiled clothes pale skin, taking in the nicks, bruises, scrapes, and cuts and noting the deeper cuts and more violent bruises. Sasuke's hands were scraped up and bruises as though he'd punches the walls a few times. His clothes were torn and ripped in places revealing a deep graze in the upper part of his right thigh and claw marks along his right side just under his ribs.
"We should probably get to the others really soon, all of us could use some looking at and tending to, not to mention some rest and grub."
Naruto nodded solemnly, he hadn't even noticed it in those tunnels, it was obvious now in the daylight that Sasuke had been dealing with some serious injuries and a lot of painful ones the entire time. Though the blood was dried and his serious wounds were long since healed it didn't stop the bitter feeling of quilt for not being there to protect him. He snapped his head up at the sound of Ed setting off in what Naruto noticed was the direction of a forest when he turned and followed after him.
"How do you know they headed that way?"
Ed smirked at him over his shoulder, "Because Roy and Nara are with them."
Naruto chuckled and glanced at Sasuke when the raven turned his face into his chest, Naruto shifted his weight again and walked a little faster until he was walking beside Ed who was still carrying Alyssa. The brisk pace made it seem as though Alyssa weighed little more than a paper sack and Naruto was struggling to keep the pace considering Sasuke was heavier than her and he'd spent most the night carrying or supporting the raven. Ed slowed his pace after Alyssa looked up at him pointedly and glanced at Naruto.
"What's your idea on what we're going to do now?"
Ed sighed, "We all need to rest up and heal then we need to catch up to the others. If anything Winry, Kiba, and Jean will try and wait it out somewhere as long as possible, but we've still lost a lot of time. With the small number of us there are we might be able to get a hold of a vehicle to try and fill the gap in distance between us and them."
"Ja, but its not going to be simple."
Ed laughed and Naruto smirked even though there was a slight bitterness to Ed's laughter. They continued walking in silence for a few minutes before Ed glanced up at the cloudless sky, "Nothing ever is."
Tsunade and Riza sat side by side on an overturned trunk they'd managed to move with the guys help so that it was situated in front of the trunk of another tree so that they could lean back against it. Roy and Neji were lying asleep close to the fire using their torn jackets as pillows while Shikamaru and Kakashi slept across from them close to the fire as well. The fire had long since gone out but there was still a smoky scent in the air as Tsunade took in a deep breath. She'd always loved nature, something her son Minato had in common with her.
She let out a sigh, now was not the time for reminiscing, she needed to listen for anyone that might wander into the forest and keep her sense high for Ed, Alyssa, Naruto, and Sasuke. Riza and herself had slept most of the night, Shikamaru and Kakashi having taken first watch for six hours and then Roy and Neji following them. Now it was their turn and Tsunade was sure that Kakashi would be waking soon so that maybe they could try and figure out what they were going to do.
After talking it over it was decided before Roy had finally laid down to get some much needed rest that they would wait in the forest for a total of three days moving their camp in the forest for those three days. If by then they still did not return then they would move on, that decision had resulted much argument from Roy and Tsunade was fairly certain the young officer would have remained behind by himself to wait for them despite anyones' efforts.
She looked up at the sky, the forest wasn't thick but it still presented a shade over them and from the way the air felt slightly chilly and the trees were starting to change from green to autumn colors of red, orange, yellow, and brown fall was readily approaching. It would get chilly and cold and they needed to get some supplies and more clothes and blankets if they were going to survive the weather alone.
She turned her head sharply to her left when she felt a jolt run down her spine and immediately jumped to her feet with a smile on her face. They were here, they'd survived and were making their way to them, she knew her daughters energy anywhere. However, the smile fell from her face as the energies of the three accompanying her came to her. Naruto's was waning, he was clearly completely worn out and at the moment he was short of losing consciousness despite his fierce determination to keep going.
Riza had gotten to her feet and moved to her side as she silently and observantly watched the play of emotions on Tsunade's face taking them in and letting them give her the information she needed. Before Riza could turn to address Kakashi and Shikamaru both of them were stirring and getting to their feet. Tsunade's lips twitched to make a smile as golden hair came into view, two blonds were walking up to them, one carrying Alyssa, who despite the brilliant smile and cheerful light in her eyes was sickly pale, covered from head to toe in grime, dust, dirt, scrapes, cuts, and a few fresh bruises. To see that she had minor wounds proved how tired she was as usually she healed rather fast.
Alyssa jumped free of Ed's arms and darted through the forest her arms outstretched as Tsunade knelt down and scooped her up in her arms. Childish, joyful laughter filled the forest and Roy and Neji both stirred moving and sitting up as they tried to assess the situation. Neji watched dazedly as Naruto carrying Sasuke and Ed walked towards the camp and up to Tsunade and Riza and then laid down and turned his back to them closing his eyes and going back to sleep.
Roy on the other hand was on his feet and making his way towards them, he took in his lovers' battered and worn appearance and longed to reach out and make sure that all that dirt and grime and dried blood didn't hide any serious injuries. He blinked tiredly dazed when Ed turned a wide grin at him and then scowled, "You look awful Roy."
Tsunade smirked before him while Riza's eyes lit up with silent amusement much like Kakashi's. Shikamaru snorted and Roy let out a laugh, "You're one to talk Edward."
Ed glanced at himself and then put his hands in his pockets and shrugged without commenting. Roy's smirk fell at that, a wordless gesture from a usually loud mouthed blond made him feel uneasy with worry. Tsunade glanced towards him, "Don't worry, he just needs a bath, to wash those filthy clothes, get some food and some rest. You should also be sleeping, having spent most the night on watch after all."
Ed glared at Roy, "You're not staying up to take care of me, go back to sleep."
Roy raised an eyebrow at that, "Handing out orders upon immediate arrival Major, I think I should stay awake-"
"Just do it, I'm fully capable of taking care of myself."
"I beg to differ given your-"
"Shut up bastard. Damn, not even five minutes and already you're getting on my nerves."
Roy smirked and met the glare Ed was giving him evenly. Even though he knew the banter was playful he still had the feeling that there was something much deeper behind the sarcasm and snappish retorts he was receiving from Ed. He was too tired to spend time figuring that out at the moment and raised his hand just in time to cover a yawn. Ed smirked a cocky glint in his eyes, "See, looks like I win this one."
Tsunade and Riza let out chuckles and then Riza turned to Roy and said in a stern voice, "It seems you're out voted sir," she said with a smug glint in her eyes. If Roy hadn't spent so much time around her recently he was certain that he would not have been able to pick up on the subtle and discreet shows of emotion or amusement in Riza's eyes. She was well guarded and greatly controlled and he often wondered how she managed that, not even he was able to reach such a level of self control.
Roy glanced over at Ed and offered a gentle smile, one he hoped told Ed how relieved and happy he was to see that the younger man was alright and had managed to bring his best friend and Sasuke back safely. Ed returned the smile before he made a shooing motion with his hand and turned his attention to Tsunade who was currently having Naruto lower Sasuke to the ground to look him over. A jolt shot through Roy then, now that he wasn't focused on his lover he took in the appearance of Naruto and Sasuke. Both of them looked worse than Ed did, Naruto looked like he was about to fall asleep on his feet he was so tired and Sasuke was not longer conscious or if he was he was losing the fight to stay that way.
Roy made to move forward to his friends side but Tsunade said to him as she remained kneeling next to Sasuke, "He's not seriously injured. He's just expended a dangerous amount of energy and is going to need a lot of rest. He used too much of his strength and his abilities. Most of his injuries are minor and with the concussion he's suffered means whoever is on watch is going to have to wake him up every hour for the next twenty-four hours. He just needs his wounds cleaned, some food and water, and a lot of rest."
"How much is a lot of rest, how long will it take for him to recover?"
Tsunade brushed back grayed, dirt soiled bangs to get a closer look at the gash on his forehead. Sasuke let out a hiss and shifted trying to back away. Naruto was sitting next to him on the ground and grabbed his hand looking up at Tsunade expectantly.
"I'd say considering how long he pushed himself for, he's going to have to rest for twice that. For the next seventy-two hours he's going to need to take it slow. Concussions are minor injuries but they can become major injuries if you're not careful." She looked pointedly at Naruto, "Nothing that takes up a lot of energy, no sex," Naruto flushed a dark red at that, "no running, no fighting. He can't travel on his feet for more than a few hours for the next three days, got it?"
Naruto nodded, "Ja."
"Good," Tsunade got to her feet and glanced down at Naruto, "You need to get a bath, some food and water in you and then you're on strict rest for the next two days. No arguments."
Ed actually flinched back when she rounded on him with her hands on her hips and a serious, intimidating stern look on her face and in her eyes; "As for you Kin,"(1) Ed tensed at the use of a nickname he knew meant business and one he hadn't heard in a long time. "I expect no arguments from you. You're going to go bathe, wash those filthy clothes, tend to your wounds, eat, and then you're going to sleep for no less than twelve hours to make up for your serious lack of sleep. Then, me and you are going to have a serious talk."
Ed swallowed and nodded, "Ah," Tsunade glared and Ed nodded vigorously, "Yes ma'am."
Tsunade nodded, "Great," she said with a smirk that made Ed scowl. Alyssa giggled and he turned to glare at her but she just smiled at him innocently.
Tsunade turned her attention to everyone, "Now then. Roy," she looked at him, "you're going to go help Ed get cleaned up since you refused to listen to reason earlier. Alyssa," she looked at Alyssa who's smile faded as she turned an attentive look to her mom, "I'm going to tend to you and help you clean those clothes of yours. I need to talk to you," Ed looked nervously at Alyssa out of the corner of his eyes.
She might be able to help you know.
So what, she's still going to want to tell everyone-
They do deserve to know, they all care about you and need to be prepared.
Tsunade cut into their silent conversation clearing her throat, "Ahem," she glared at both of them and then looked to Kakashi who was standing there as though everything going on around him was completely normal.
"Since you're awake, how about you make yourself useful and help Naruto and Sasuke get cleaned up. No funny business or I'll cut off your favorite limb."
Kakashi gave her a smile that caused his eyes to turn up into miniature smiles which was the only way to even know he was smiling. Ed watched him questionably and was about to ask when Tsunade turned back to him and snapped, "What are you still standing here for?"
Ed looked back to her, "Because I don't know where the hell I'm supposed to get cleaned up at you old bat."
Tsunade glared darkly at him, "Ungrateful brat."
"Bah, you da-"
Ed was swiftly cut off by Roy's hand covering his mouth as his other hand grabbed Ed around the waist and turned him away from her. Ed broke free of his hold immediately and glared over his shoulder at Tsunade who in turn flipped him off with an immature tongue stuck out at him. Ed returned the bird and then let Roy seize his hand and pull him away from the camp. They walked past where Neji was still trying to sleep and then disappeared into the trees until they could no longer see the camp or any of its occupants.
Ed let out a relieved sigh, he felt more relaxed than ever just feeling that larger, paler hand holding his own. Their calluses hardly bothered him as the warmth from both their hands seemed to run up his arm and crash over him entirely. They were finally free of the damnable tunnels, the sun was out which meant no more demons or chimera's, the chimera's hardly came out in the sun or on the surface unless ordered and soldiers making trouble seemed small in comparison to everything else they'd been through.
There were still mysteries about this man walking next to him leading him through the forest in the protection of the daylight. But Ed was content with that for now, he'd yet to tell Roy anything about himself or his past other than what his friends had managed to bring to his attention. Ed held dark, powerful secrets securely in his soul and he was sure that after he'd spoken to Tsunade another secret was going to be laid bare for the safety of those around him. He wasn't an idiot, he knew that his most recent and dangerous secret could prove detrimental if kept secret. That he harvested something that ate darkness and seeped it through his veins and empowered his dark thoughts and emotions could prove to be deadly should he lose control of it. He could become a threat and everyone deserved to have that knowledge so that they could be prepared.
Such thoughts made those dark thoughts build up in him and cause his stomach and chest to feel hollow suddenly. He could lose himself to whatever it was his father had done, could lose those he cared for, or worse, hurt or even kill them. Ed shuddered at the thought and looked up then quickly away when Roy squeezed his hand. Ed turned his gaze upwards peering through the canopy of the trees to the light blue sky and then took in and let out a deep breath before he looked forward again. The forest was lush, at the very least, and it was nearly surreal to see the tall, ancient trees stretching above them and all around them. It made the atmosphere comfortable, although chilly, but still comfortable. The fresh air and the outdoors were something Ed secretly cherished and after all that time confined in narrow tunnels and in the constant dark it was richly refreshing to be outside, in the sun, in the presence of nature once again.
Ed pegged it all to his times in captivity, the life he'd live before this world spent traveling every stretch of Amestrius he could in five years, and the calm nature brought him. It felt as though his heart and soul were healing just from this exposure to the world as it was supposed to be and his mind relished the peace of mind the smells, sights, and feelings trees, grass, and fresh, clean air brought him. His mouth curled into a contented smile.
Roy was leading him casually and when Ed took in the scent of the forest around him he picked up on the smell of water and grinned, now that he was able to a bath sounded luxurious. He looked down at both of their hands when Roy's thumb started to idly sweep across the top of his hand and felt heat rise in his cheeks from the intimate yet innocent gesture. He looked up into Roy's face to see those piercing black eyes watching him intently, admiringly, with so many emotions burning and whirling in those dark eyes and felt the heat in his cheeks increase and rise to his ears and looked away in embarrassment.
They were silent for a while, both enjoying the atmosphere and sense of calm around them, lost to their own thoughts. Roy couldn't stop the gentle smile that had come across his face as he'd watched Ed simply take in the beauty of nature around him. In that moment, that smile, the calm the seemed to wash over and seep into Ed, he'd looked celestial, like something out of a fairy tale. How could he possibly deserve such a gorgeous creature? How was it that he was so fortunate to have found Ed and to actually have him return his own feelings? It didn't matter what he'd been through himself, he would still live through the worst kinds of hell imaginable if in the end he still found someone as captivating as Ed.
Not even the dirt, grime, and dried blood along with the battle worn and exhausted appearance Ed had was he any less beautiful. Someone like Ed was unique, a jewel to be cherished, to be admired and here he was walking beside him, holding his hand, content and happy and making Roy's heart swell with feeling and adoration for him. Roy idly swept his thumb back and forth across Ed's hand, not minding the slight roughness from his fighting in the least because it was mediocre when you compared a rough hand, calloused fingers, to that of how it felt to make love to the younger man, how his whole meaning of existence seemed to make sense when he watched him.
Roy decided that he would lighten the mood as a thought occurred to him. He let his lips curl into a smirk to help make it believable as he said casually, "I bet you're looking forward to taking a proper bath. We found a few springs and a river through here. I'm sure that Tsunade is taking Alyssa to the river and leaving us and Sasuke and Naruto to bathe in the springs."
Ed looked back at him at that, "Us?"
Roy's smirk remained in place at the oblivious look on Ed's face as golden eyes watched and waited for an answer. Roy leaned down, causing Ed to pause and his breath to hitch. Roy stopped and let out a ghost of a breath across the shell of Ed's ear as he whispered in a husky voice, "Yes us, I plan to take full advantage of this moment of privacy with you love."
Roy pulled back with a satisfied smile at the dark blush that dusted Ed's lightly tanned cheeks and fought the urge to laugh when he started walking again pulling Ed behind him only to have Ed stumble a few times before he regained his footing. Ed recovered and then scowled at Roy's back and muttered, "Perverted bastard."
Roy did laugh then and replied, "Very much so. But considering being one managed to catch your attention I will take that as a compliment."
Ed huffed, "Arrogant asshole."
Roy smirked mischievously as a rather crude thought came to mind, "I'd definitely say so, but as far as assholes go-"
"Shut it, just shut up. No more talking for you."
Roy laughed out loud at that and sure enough another laugh erupted through him at the gorgeous, adorable, dark blush on Ed's face. It seemed as though Ed was just as pervert as he was, he was already thinking along the same lines as Roy and the older man had yet to finish what he'd been about to say.
He was quick to reply to Ed's comment, "I believe there is more than one pervert here Edward. I was merely going to say that as far as assholes go you're definitely one to be able to tell who the true assholes are."
"Didn't I just say to shut up?"
Roy couldn't help the smirk at the haughty reply he received for that, he did enjoy teasing Ed, it was so very easy to get the younger man riled up. It was often amusing considering how controlled Ed often portrayed himself to be when he was playing to role of leader and military officer.
"What will you do to get me to shut up, Edward?"
Ed's blush had diminished moments ago but now it was back again and he still refused to look at him directly for anything more than a glare, which he was doing now. The blond refrained from answering not willing to reply, Roy guessed it had to do with him purposely seductively saying Ed's name. He did enjoy how it felt to have Edward roll off his tongue.
"Are we there yet?"
Roy smirked, "Eager are we?"
"For a bath, nothing else," Ed answered petulantly but his hand tightening in Roy's indicated otherwise and a smile formed on Roy's face. Now that he thought about it, when he was in the presence of this fiery youth, he smile and laughed quite a lot. Not to say he wasn't someone with a sense of humor or one who didn't enjoy to be happy, but he hardly smiled and laughed this much. There was just something about Ed, something that seemed to bring out the best in him, even though Roy wasn't foolish enough to deny he brought out the worst in him as well, much like how he'd dealt with that humunculus Wrath. There was nothing Roy wouldn't do to keep Ed alive, happy, and with him, and they had still yet to have a relationship for little over a few months, at most.
Ed enjoyed how content and blissful he felt with Roy, even if the older man infuriated him to no end with his smugness at times. There were plenty of things that reminded him of the Colonel he'd spent a good number of years around in the other world, but there were also things about this Roy that were different. Ed admitted with smugness that this Roy didn't know everything and it was often that Ed actually knew more of what was going on that the dark haired man. He was idly walking through the forest with Roy leading him as a pang rose in his chest at the thought of how Roy would possibly handle the news of what Ed was currently having to deal with and still refused to except. There was no way he was going to sit by and just let his father and whatever the hell he'd forced into him kill him or stop him. He was going to stop the bastard at all costs and then he was going to find a way to keep living.
Ed looked up at the strong scent of water as well as the sounds of it and he stood still in the wake of the sight before him. Slightly to his left, though Roy was directing him even closer to it now, were the solitary springs. A pool of water in a natural setting that glistened like jewels with the rays of the sunlight that breached the canopy of trees overhead. Roy took in the stunned and seemingly awestruck look on Ed's face, his eyes alight with interest.
Ed licked his lips absently and then blinked and glanced sidelong at Roy who he was pleased to see was watching him, his dark eyes burning with a hidden flame as he seemed ready to devour Ed on the spot. Ed let out a short cry when he found himself suddenly pulled into a broad chest, their intertwined hands crushed between them while a warm, pale hand grabbed his chin and tilted his head up. Ed felt his eyes flutter closed as slightly chapped, though warm lips descended on his own. An eager tongue soon swept over his bottom lip and Ed parted his lips without much thought as his hand not trapped between them came to grasp a cloth covered shoulder and tug Roy that much closer so that their bodies were flush against each other.
The pains from his battered and bruised body were at the very farthest reaches of his mind as Roy simply devoured him and the kiss became more heated when Ed felt a very hot and hard erection press urgently into his hip, his own arousal responding in kind as heat pooled in his groin. Roy pulled back and smirked at the protesting growl he received for the action. Before Ed could say much more he found himself turned and pulled towards the spring quickly. Seems like he's the more eager one between us, Ed thought with a smirk of his own curling his lips.
Roy turned around slowly once they were well within reach of the spring located on the slight incline with a small face of jagged rocks behind it that seemed to be where the water in the spring was coming from. The rocks weren't overly high and the trees around them certainly stood taller and gave an air of privacy to the area, it was like a miniature waterfall. Roy stopped and sat down on the edge of the slight rise ground circling the spring and Ed felt himself entranced as the older man eased his hand free from his to work at untying his boots.
Ed felt beret for a moment, immediately missing the warmth of Roy's hand in his own but was quick to snap out of it and start working on removing his worn down boots. He looked up to see that Roy was watching him with his shirt now gone from him and Ed was startled by the allure of porcelain pale skin, the definition in those smooth muscles that had a softer, more sculptured tone to them than his own. It was always shocking to lay eyes on the beauty of the man and Ed often felt blessed to have capture his attention considering the natural allure and grace the man possessed that could easily allow him to have anyone at all he wanted. Those dark eyes were smug and the smirk on his face threatened to rise ire in Ed but he only returned the smirk as he slowly set to removing his own tattered clothes.
Roy was immensely enjoying the leisurely way Ed was stripping his clothes only feet away from him, close enough to touch but still too far away. Roy wanted him right there, their bodies flush together. He was going to take him time lavishing and appreciating his lover this time. He planned to pull those wonderful sounds from Ed's throat and tease and worship him until he was begging unlike their previous times.
Resigned and determined to make his thoughts a reality and see them through Roy rose to his feet and his smirk turned into a smile as dark eyes met gold that were already darkened in lust as they looked at him and watched him. Roy was very much the predator now and the way Ed slowly straightened up to his full height let Roy know that the younger man was indeed as perceptive as he thought.
Ed felt a shudder run through him when Roy stilled his hands from reaching for the belt on his pants only to make short quick work of it and toss it near the other clothes on the ground. His breath hitched when Roy leaned in to capture his lips in a slow, passionate, heated kiss at the same time as one of his hands tangled into the hair at the nape of his neck to work out the hair tie and tangle fingers through the still dirty, dulled tresses. Ed groaned into the kiss when Roy sucked on his tongue and his hips bucked when Roy cupped him through his pants.
Roy could feel the heat and lust radiating off Ed's heated and flush skin and he leisurely undid the pants and slid the zipped down, still kissing Ed and now entangling their tongues together. Those sounds Ed made coursed lush heat through him and Roy wanted more, more of those sounds, less of their clothes so he could have more of Ed's flesh touching him. His squirming made Roy's skin prickle with anticipation for what was to come.
Ed couldn't stand this slow teasing, it was going to drive him mad if Roy didn't do something soon, now, damn it. Ed growled when Roy ushered them both towards the waiting water. Ed's eyes opened to watch when Roy's warm was suddenly gone and he watched in fascination and lust as Roy stripped free of his clothes. Ed snapped himself out of his staring and made short quick work of what remained of his clothes before finally moving towards Roy, closing the distance.
Roy's hands gripped Ed's forearms to try and pull him close and both let out simultaneous groans as their flushed, naked bodies finally touched with the hindrance of clothes. Roy turned around, which earned him another of Ed's growls and caused a smirk to curl his lips and carefully bent down to lower himself into the water. The possessive growl he got in return for the action broadened his smirk and soon enough he felt the cool water caressing his skin with whispering touches that made him bit his lip to stop the groan that worked its way up into his throat.
Roy turned just in time to see Ed lowering himself in the water and felt a hot flush of heat race through him from the possessive and lust hazed molten gold gaze intent on him. Roy schooled his features as took in the blissful look that crossed Ed's face as he fully let himself ease into the water, Roy could imagine how wonderful it must feel to finally have some tension released throughout his battered body.
Ed looked up when Roy was suddenly there again, bodies flush and a deep, throaty groan was pulled from his throat at the feel of water slicked skin pressing against his own still heated skin. When a strong, pale arm circled around his back just above his waist line and pulled them that much closer together Ed's eyes closed in silent bliss at the feeling of his arousal pressed in between two flat stomachs.
Roy smirked and took advantage of Ed's closed eyes by latching onto Ed's neck, lathering it in heated, open mouthed kisses, licks, and nips until Ed's head tilted to the side to give him more access. When Roy bit into Ed's neck he was rewarded with another of those throaty groans and an arching of Ed's neck as encouragement. Roy took this moment to suck and nip hungrily at the slightly darker neck.
Ed's back arched pressing himself even more into his lover when a slick hand slipped between them to grab both of their arousals and stroke languidly up and down. Ed's right hand rose to grip a pale shoulder as he tried to find something to support him so he could buck his hips up into that hand. The water did nothing to stifle the heat coursing through him and the slickness it added only caused his erection to throb all the more.
Roy released Ed's throat and planted light kisses along a strong jaw line and just as he squeezed his hand around both their erections. He drank in the delicious moan that rumbled through Ed's entire frame and felt the repercussion vibrate through his own frame. Roy sucked on Ed's tongue with deliberate slow, long, hard sucks that pulled groans from the blonds throat and sent delightful shivers through both of them. When Ed tried to pull out of the kiss and moved so that his hands were now placed on Ed's bottom, squeezing and kneading. Ed needed no further provocation both of his hands gripped Roy's shoulders as he lifted his legs to wrap them around Roy's waist.
Roy smirked into their kiss and slid one hand up Ed's back and through slightly damp hair to cup the back of his head and kissed him more deeply. Both of them were already panting and breathless and Roy knew that before long Ed was going to get very impatient and demanding. Roy broke the kiss and brought the hand cupping Ed's head along the curve of his neck and caressed his coarse cheek idly with his tongue until Ed's eyes opened to half mast to look at him.
Emotions rushed through Roy at the emotions and hunger in those molten gold eyes, "Roy," Ed's said breathlessly, "what's the hold up?"
Roy smirked and lowered his head to place a light kiss to Ed's forehead before kissing both cheeks and recapturing Ed's lips. Roy squeezed the one hand still holding Ed's thigh and as his hand traveled back to rest on Ed's hips, again the blond understood and tightened his legs around his waist and moved his arms around Roys' shoulders, successfully pulling them even closer.
Ed sucked in a ragged breath as Roy's fingers lightly ghosted their way up his side and in between them to pluck at dusky nubs eliciting a mumbled groan into their kiss. Ed ripped his head away and laid his forehead on Roy's shoulder as that hand gave succulent attention to each nub until they were both fully erect. Ed shifted in his arms, feeling restless and probably aiming for friction for his temporarily ignored, swollen, and reddened cock. Roy chuckled low in his throat as Ed started to fidget more adamantly and again Roy had his arm around him, holding him close and securely.
His other hand took the place of the one holding Ed close and Ed let out a fevered and breathless groan as Roy's finger eased lower to circle his opening. Sex in water could provide a lubricant, but Roy was still mindful that it wouldn't take the pain away nearly as much as a lubricant could. He gently probed and eased his finger past the first ring of muscle and Ed moved against him pressing into his hand and forcing his finger deeper. Ed's head rose from his shoulder and Roy captured his lips once again to try and muffle the groan of the hot, tight heat pulsing around his finger under the water.
After some stretching Roy felt confident with adding another finger and was given the choice to take it slow or gentle when Ed rocked back into his hand again, this time both letting out groans as they broke away to take in air. Roy scissored his fingers and searched with them, trying to find that one spot that would have Ed writhing in pleasure. Hooking his fingers did the trick and Ed arched hard into him letting out a breathless, guttural moan as his legs tightened to nearly painful around his waist.
Roy smirked and pulled his fingers free only to add another, again thwarted of his plans of being gentle by Ed's rocking. Ed winced and let out a barely audible hiss and Roy had to suppress the urge to tell him it was his fault for being so impatient but instead Ed managed to blame him as he tightened around him. Roy was starting to feel he was growing rather impatient himself and hefted Ed further up after stretching him and hooking his fingers to pull a sobbing moan from the blond.
Ed let out a protesting whimper when Roy's finger pulled out of him only to be replaced with a need filled groan as he felt the head of Roy's arousal at his opening. Roy lowered his hand and had moved so that Ed's back was pressed against the naturally made walls of the spring to help support him before he eased just the head in with one hand steadying him. Ed's body clenched around him a few endless seconds before Ed took in deep breaths and relaxed. Roy moved in one swift movement and Ed's neck and back arched as he let out a sharp cry of pain laced pleasure.
Both took a few moments to drag in panting breaths as Roy waited for Ed to adjust and relax around him once more. Ed's arms moved so that his hands were gripping Roy's shoulders tightly and he hissed out, "Move damn it," between breathless pants. Roy took a mere second to admire the flushed coloring of Ed's skin before he eased out so only the head of his erection remained ensnared in Ed before he thrust up again trying to aim for that spot that could cause his younger lover to see stars. After a few more deep thrusts Ed's body convulsed against him and trembled as he let out a long, deep moan of Roy's name and Roy knew he'd found it.
He aimed for that spot over and over again, giving Ed no reprieve and it wasn't long before both of them were completely breathless and moving together, Ed moving down to meet his thrust and plung Roy deeper. Groans, moans, pants, sloppy kisses, and erratic hips moving together to try and reach that bliss and Ed was the first to come with a near scream of Roy's name and the way his insides clenched down and pulsed around Roy brought him to completion and milked him dry.
They both remained that way trying to catch their breaths and it wasn't until they had recovered that they realized just how utterly exhausted and beat they really were. Ed let out a sated groan as Roy eased out and lowered him from his hips so that he was standing in the water. Roy smirked as he took in the flush to Ed's skin and the dark red spot on his neck from his previous attentions. Roy reached out and brushed Ed's hair behind his ear and was rewarded with a smile that took his breath away.
Roy leaned down and kissed those smiling lips until Ed was rendered breathless once again and pulled away, their lips still touching, he whispered tenderly, "Love you Ed."
Ed tensed before his hand came up to grab the back of Roy's neck and kiss him again, he pulled away, ducking his head to rest on Roy's chest as his cheeks flared with heat, "Love ya' too," he mumbled. Roy smiled warmly at him and then stepped away and let out a sigh, "We should get you washed up and try to clean those clothes of yours."
Ed nodded, but said nothing as he wordlessly watched Roy climb out of the spring to grab something from his pants. He noticed the small travel sized bottle of soap and when he stepped forward and winced at the soreness in his backside glared at the fact the bastard could have used something as lubricant, he was going to be sore for days now. He didn't complain much when Roy rejoined him and helped wash out his hair while Ed used a bar of soap to wash the grime, dirt, and dried blood from his skin. He really did love having his hair played with, it was one of the reasons he refused to cut, the other more personal and darker.
Sasuke watched Naruto closely when the blond had suddenly stopping helping his bathe because he was too sore and tired to do it himself. "What dobe?"
"Did you hear something teme," Naruto returned without missing a beat. It seemed a natural ritual to call each other names and Sasuke knew the blond probably thought of them as nicknames even if they were originally intended to be insults. Sasuke raised a delicate dark eyebrow, "No."
"Hmm, I could have sworn I heard Ed shouting."
Sasuke smirked, there wasn't even a gloat in Naruto's voice, it was concern. Sometimes he really could be an idiot, even if he hadn't heard the sound himself given his hearing wasn't nearly as sensitive as Naruto's, he could bet that Ed's shout wasn't out of distress. "You're hearing things, can we just hurry this up so I can get some sleep?"
Naruto huffed but set back to running his hands over his lovers' body to wash away the grime and if Sasuke's exhaustion was beating at him so harshly and even causing his eyes to close at times he would have wanted to take advantage of this moment of privacy. He leaned back into the blond tiredly as those hands softened their touches to caresses and let his eyes flutter closed with a contented sigh.
Naruto smiled even as concern flooded through him for the raven, he hoped Tsunade was right and that Sasuke would be back on his feet after some rest. Thanks to Sasuke's knowledge with alchemy their clothes were clean and dry hanging up on a branch nearby, Naruto had protested that alchemy was just going to use up more of Sasuke's much needed energy. But of course, the stubborn man refused to heed his words and used it anyway to clean and repair their clothes using scraps from one of the towels Tsunade had handed to them to dry off with.
Sasuke was fully leaning into him by the time Naruto had finished and Naruto thought it had been a good idea to quickly wash himself before tending to the paler man. He tossed the bar of soap towards his shoes before shifting and lifting Sasuke into his arms causing him to stir a bit before borrowing into Naruto. A smile crept over Naruto's face at the action, he couldn't deny he found this exhausted and therefore clingy Sasuke adorable. Naruto had to be careful and use a of lot of his strength to manage to lift Sasuke out of the spring while in his arms, which required a strain on his legs. But he managed with effort and made his way to their clothes. He toed the towels and managed to kick it up to a height he could reach without having to bend over and resting Sasuke's legs on his knees laid the towel out on the ground before setting him down.
Naruto dressed quickly, not caring that much about the fact that his once dried clothes ended up a little damp from not drying off and set to dressing Sasuke. The raven didn't seem to care much either and when Naruto picked him up and held him in the position he'd set him in to adjust the sound one of his arms went around the tan shoulders and held on tightly. Naruto grabbed the bar of soap and slipped it into one of Sasuke's shoes, it wasn't as though the raven could say much about it at the moment anyway.
He grabbed the towel and placed it on Sasuke's lap, to which the sleeping raven ignored and then stood up and made his way back to camp.
He wasn't surprised to see that everyone was awake and waiting by the fire when the two stumbled back into camp, Roy refusing to let go of Ed's hand and he pulled the younger behind him. Tsunade only grinned at them and motioned toward the two rations waiting at the end of the log she was seated on. Alyssa jumped up from beside her and with a grin took Ed's hand, led him to where she'd sat after he grabbed his ration and then jumped into his lap emitting a grunt from him before she settled.
Roy smiled at the sight and then settled himself across from Ed closer to the fire and next to a nearly asleep Sasuke. The remains of his own ration resting at Naruto's feet as the blond ate through his own quickly and silently. Roy could tell there was concern in the blonds eyes and he felt it himself, it was rather unusual and unsettling to see Sasuke leaning against Naruto without much care of who saw it and to see him resiliently less active than was his usual. Even if his usual was stoicism and indifference.
Naruto glanced towards him and Roy nodded them set to eating his own ration quickly, they were best that way before you could actually taste what you were inhaling. Roy felt a little light now, like a great weight was lifted from his shoulders as he finished up his meal. Admitting how he felt, saying it out loud and having the words said in return, though Ed was bashful about it, made something loosen in his chest. He hadn't realized just how deep his feelings for the golden eyed blond had truly gone, but now, he knew it for certain and wouldn't take the words back for anything in the world.
He glanced up at Ed who was finishing the last of his own meal and as though he felt the weight of Roy's gaze his eyes moved slowly to meet his own and a gentle smile curled his lips, one Roy found he returned without much thought at all. Tsunade broke the spell, standing and clearing her throat, "Alright you five," she glanced at each of them, even Alyssa who let out a yawn, "get some shut eye. I'm leaving it to at least three of you to help with watch by tomorrow and then we need to get a move on."
They nodded and Roy was the first to get to his feet, following Ed's example of throwing the package of the rations into the burning fire. Naruto did the same with his and Sasuke's and then stood careful not to let Sasuke fall before he bent and scooped him up into his arms. Roy watched for a moment starting to feel something else release in his heart at seeing the genuine concern, care, and love Naruto exhibited as he held Sasuke in his arms. It seemed that Naruto was very much the person to look after someone he viewed as a best friend and even a little brother, though he d never be able to voice the second part out loud.
Ed quietly made his way towards Roy and Alyssa holding Ed's hand led him towards the small make shift bed on the ground where Kakashi and Shikamaru had once slept when they'd first arrived. Roy was going to go about tending to things in the camp that needed doing when Ed seized his hand and pulled him to his side. Roy sighed and let Ed guide him so that they were both lying on the ground and Tsunade glanced to them with a grin before turning to walk over to where Naruto was trying to settle Sasuke on the other make shift bed across the fire from them. Roy turned over on his side and put his arm around Ed's waist pulling him closer, to which Ed didn't resist after a few insistent tugs.
Alyssa was laying down on Ed's other side, curled into him on her side and Ed turned over onto his own so that he was facing her with his back pressed against Roy's chest. Roy smiled gently when Ed tenderly brushed her bangs from her face and lowered his hand over hers. She turned her hand over to grasp his before her breathing deepened and she fell asleep, Ed following her quickly. Roy closed his eyes and fell into a comfortable sleep that was more at peace and content than the fitful sleep he'd had before Ed and company had arrived at the camp.