Okies. Rushed or not, plan is to end this in about 4-5 more parts. Enjoy.
[FIC] Underneath - Part 28
Title: Underneath – Part 28
Author: Lilang Luha
Rating: T
Genre: romance, shonen-ai, comedy, fluff, drama, eventual AU? eventual smut?
Pairing: Roy x Ed, others
Author Notes: Don't own FMA. Blah, blah, blah. See the Prologue.
Previous Chapters: My LJ Memories Page
Status: Continuing
Spoilers: None
Summary: Ed in schoolgirl outfit. Love triangle, or octagon. Amestrian school. Drama and Quirk. Yadda yadda…
Chapter 28: You're Mine
Roy spent many days at Central discussing the military's actions and findings regarding the bar incident, while Edward remained at the Colonel's residence recovering with Al and Winry's help. Winry had taken to staying at a hotel nearby, since there weren't anymore rooms available at the Colonel's house.
The Investigations Department took care of the school excuse, stating that Edlynn Hawkeye was in dire need of automail maintenance and would be missing class. Edward wasn't sure if he was to continue with the undercover assignment after he recovered, since he never did find anything suspicious with the school or the after-school associations. It was odd for him to actually miss the Academy and its faculty. He wondered how Emily was doing, or if that Bradley brat was now quarantined at home or surrounded by top-notch Secret Service men. He would probably find out the latter once Roy came home from Central.
It was also very odd to miss the bastard. He had been very attentive, sometimes to a point that it was annoying. The man treated him like he was made of glass, but he wasn't. Yet there were times when he really enjoyed the attention and the surprising tenderness. Why the man chose to stay by his side so much was something Ed couldn't comprehend. Roy could easily have gone out on many dates, since the boy's condition wasn't that bad. His automail still felt sore, but he knew he was well on his way to complete recovery. Pretty soon, the soreness would go away.
After a while, staying cooped up in the house irritated Edward. Al and Winry were constantly worrying over him and there wasn't much to do when both were away. At that moment, both were at Ms. Steltz's place returning the cat and the cat's things (much to Al's reluctance). Edward was glad he could finally leave his pants on the floor without it being pooped on.
The blond threw the book he was reading aside. The Colonel was coming home soon, but staying inside was driving him crazy. He needed to walk, or do something other than read or wander aimlessly around the house. He grabbed the coat he was borrowing from Fury and slowly put it on. He hissed when he had to rotate his right shoulder, the soreness seeping through his veins. After a brief struggle, he finally went out the door.
Edward wrapped the coat tighter around himself, surprised at the coldness outside. He decided to take a walk to the park one block away, despite the cold and despite the slowly darkening sky. The wind picked up as a curtain of flurries trickled down from the sky. He stretched his right palm out, watching a snowflake land in the middle of his palm. It didn't melt.
"Ed?" a voice called out a few feet in front of him.
Edward turned to face the Colonel, who was clad in his military uniform and had a small suitcase in his right hand.
The man's surprised expression faded away to worry and slight irritation. "You shouldn't be out." He told the boy.
Ed didn't bother to greet the man, nor ask him how the session at Central went. Instead, he scowled. "I told you, I'm fine! I'm not weak!"
Roy spoke, "But you're not invincible either." He watched the boy look away, crossing mismatched arms on his chest. Roy stepped closer until they were arms-length of each other. The snow was growing harder; some flakes accumulated on the blond head. He noticed that Ed didn't bother to tie his hair back so it flowed loosely around his shoulders. He brushed a piece of blond hair back over Ed's ear. "Let's go back inside. You'll hurt your joints with this cold."
"I'm fine." Ed said stubbornly. "It's driving me crazy being inside!" He brushed past the Colonel toward the park. He walked forward, hugging himself from the cold. He thought the Colonel went back to the house, but heard soft, heavy steps following behind him. Without turning back, the blond spoke, "You don't have to come with me."
The man didn't answer.
Edward ignored the silence. He kept going until he reached the park. He sat on a park bench facing a small fountain, which wasn't running, but the icicles forming around the structure was beautiful.
The Colonel sat next to him, placing the luggage on the floor. "You haven't talked about that night."
Ed's hand twitched. "I already gave you a copy of the report."
"I know."
The blond was surprised the man didn't push for a straight answer. He certainly didn't want to talk about feeling violated, or scared for that matter. He wasn't someone who felt comfortable admitting weaknesses. The experience wasn't something he wanted to happen, yet it made him realize how vulnerable people can be, no matter how powerful they were.
Lost in his thoughts, the boy was caught off-guard when strong arms wrapped around him. He tried to jump away, but the arms lifted him off the bench and onto the Colonel's lap.
"What are you---?"
"It's comfortable, right?" the man said.
"No, it isn't!" Edward insisted stubbornly, his blush growing. "Let go!"
Roy cupped the blonde's cheek, making the boy face him. "Edward," he said softly. "I do care about you, you know? That's why I don't want you to be hurt."
No, you don't. You just want your promotion. Ed thought.
"I…" Roy stated, hesitating a moment. "I said some things to you that weren't true." He shifted the small body in front of him so Edward would be facing him. "The truth is…"
Edward moved to jump out of his lap, but was detained by stubborn, strong hands. "You don't care about me," Ed spat. "Let me go. I don't need to hear this."
"Why can't you just let me speak?"
"Because I already know what you're going to say!!" Ed yelled. He stopped moving, realizing that the man wasn't going to let him go. He braced himself for an impending onslaught of hurtful words.
"The truth is," Roy continued. "I do want you."
"In case you don't remember, you already said that."
"But I---."
Ed covered his ears with his hands. "Don't! Don't say it."
Roy paused a moment before gently prying the hands away from the boy's ears. He leaned forward and lightly brushed his lips over a pink cheek before leaning back again. He spoke, "Please hear me out. This isn't easy for me either."
Ed glowered. "How do you think I feel? You're always going around saying how much of a brat I am! How is it NOT easy for you, huh? You strut around with that high-and-mighty attitude of yours without a care how other people feel! You're one of those---."
"I do care, Ed!"
"No you don't! Then why did you say---!"
"I didn't mean it! Ed, I---!"
"Don't say it!"
"Edward, I love you." Roy said softly.
Edward didn't want him, but he couldn't help it anymore. He had to say something. His heartbeat grew louder as the seconds ticked by. He watched in trepidation as the boy's angry expression faded away to disbelief and confusion. The boy was just staring at him dumbfounded, pretty golden eyes wide in shock.
Edward pushed his arms away then stood up. He faced the fountain, his back turned to the Colonel. The man patiently awaited an answer.
"You…" Ed started.
Roy felt his heart stop for that brief moment.
Ed swallowed a lump in his throat. "You don't mean that." The blond said.
Roy stood up, face twisted in frustration. "What are you talking about!? I meant it when I said it! You think I'd just bullshit something like that!?"
Ed whirled around to face him. "How can I believe that, bastard? Your whole life has been to sugar-coat everything to get what you want. How do I know that this is true, or is it one of your tactics to climb that damned ladder? You said it yourself: you never wanted me, not now, not ever! How am I supposed to know you aren't just playing with me?"
"So you don't trust me, after all I have done for you?"
"You've done things for me to meet some end. Is this one of them? And what makes you think I want you, huh? You think that because everyone falls at your feet that I'd do the same? There are a lot of people out there who would want to be with me too. Is that what you think? That I'd have no other options and kiss your damned feet at the snap of your fingers? You're not the only one."
Roy growled menacingly. He grabbed Ed's flesh arm then shoved him toward the bench. Ed gave a yelp of surprise before the back of his knees hit the bench, causing him to fall back against the seat. Before he could stand up and retort, the Colonel was there towering over him. The man's knee was between his legs. He trapped the boy by placing both his hands on the bench.
Ed opened his mouth to protest angrily but was cut off by a warm mouth claiming him; it shifted, moved, and sucked against his own lips. He felt his tongue being teased by another. Ed shoved it away with his own tongue, but it only caused the man to give a grunt of annoyance then shift his mouth to suck hard on his tongue.
Despite the cold, he suddenly felt warm and hazy. The kiss was arduous, intense, and almost feverish… it's as if he was being branded or claimed somehow. Edward gripped the lapels of the man's uniform then pushed. He gasped for breath when the kiss was broken. He stared at the man's dark eyes in front of him, burning like dark coals under a fire. He had to admit, an intense Mustang was hot… and his body couldn't help but yearn for more than just a possessive kiss.
"You want me." The man whispered smugly.
"Sh-shut up." Edward bit out. "You… what are you doing?"
Roy swiftly slipped his hand under the pants, stroking him between the legs.
Ed's eyes shifted side to side in nervousness. "D-don't! We're in a fucking park!"
Roy nuzzled against his neck, giving a short tug. "It's night-time, and it's snowing… nobody's going to be here."
"WHAT? Pervert, stop it! I--- AH!" Ed bucked his hips against the offending hand.
Roy settled next to him while wrapping his other arm around the body to keep it still. He watched the boy's face in agonizing pleasure. Such a beauty that he never noticed was always there in front of him. He loved Edward. The thought that the boy would go to someone else unnerved and angered him more than it should. Ed had the choice of going wherever he pleased, yet his own heart wouldn't allow it.
Roy gave a hard pull. Edward whimpered, eyes fluttering shut.
He licked the blonde's ear then whispered darkly, "You're mine." He gave another hard tug.
The boy arched his back and screamed as he came inside his pants. He could feel the wetness seeping between his legs and his thighs. His body slumped, limp, wet, and spent. "B-bastard…" he gasped, rolling his head to rest against the man's shoulder.
The man kissed the blonde's forehead, tasting drops of sweat. "I'll show you, Edward." He declared. "I'll show you how much I love you."
"Colonel? Nii-san?" a tiny voice called out in the distance.
Roy cursed as he snatched his wet hand away then shoved it in his pocket. He swiftly grabbed the luggage, placing it on Ed's lap to hide everything. He waved at Al and Winry using his clean hand.
Winry tilted her head a little. "Ed, are you okay? Shouldn't you be at home? It's a little cold to be walking around."
"N-no, I'm fine…" he said between heavy breaths.
"Colonel, sir, you just came back from Central?" Al asked the man.
"Oh, yes, yes." Roy feigned a smile of pleasantry. "Actually, I have very important matters to discuss regarding the meeting. Um, let's… let's talk about this at home, shall we?"
"Okay." Al replied. "Nii-san, you look too tired, I can carry you home."
"N-no, no!" Ed shook his head. "Um, why don't you and Winry go ahead, we'll catch up."
Al looked from his brother to the Colonel. He nodded then walked ahead with Winry.
Once they were out of sight, Winry tugged Al's arm and asked, "Is something wrong? They were acting strange."
Al replied, "It's weird. I thought Nii-san's pants were wet, but why would they be like that?"
Winry thought a moment. "Maybe it's the snow." She shrugged. "Your brother probably fell onto the snow or something trying to fight with the Colonel."
Al nodded. "You're probably right."
----
The following day, Edward was required to report to the East City Office. Since Roy was already there, he decided to walk over with his brother. They were told to meet at Conference Room B for a mandatory meeting regarding the Bradley girl incident. Alphonse wasn't allowed into the meeting, but he was allowed to stay around headquarters.
Once Edward entered the room, he heard a soft click then saw a white flash of light in front of his face. He scowled at the man before him.
"Ah, Edward! How are you?" Hughes asked gleefully, cradling his new camera. "I heard you went through a bit of trouble with your mission."
Ed's eyebrow twitched. "As if you don't know. What are you doing here?"
"I'm here for the meeting. Fuhrer Bradley wanted me to be here to give you the information we've gathered. Anyways, we're just waiting for Lieutenant Havoc and General Hakuro to show up before we start." He aimed the camera at the boy again.
Edward placed his automail hand on the lens then moved it away. "Am I done with this assignment yet?"
"You're always so eager."
Havoc entered the room, eyes droopy from sleep. "This had better be quick." He said tiredly, chewing on a piece of gum.
Hughes took a picture of the Second Lieutenant then asked, "Gum?"
Havoc chewed rigorously, eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "Quitting." He plopped himself in an empty seat.
"Ah." Hughes grinned. "In love?"
Havoc nearly choked on his gum. "W-what!?"
The Lieutenant Colonel shrugged. "I know these things."
"N-no, I just thought it's high-time I tried quitting." Havoc replied with a glare.
"It's also bad for your health," Hawkeye interjected as she sat on the seat next to Havoc's.
Hughes raised an eyebrow, eyes shifting from one to the other with a quizzical expression. Hawkeye didn't notice and continued to review the documents in her hand. Havoc shook his head rigorously in panic, mouthing the word "No" over and over again. The Lieutenant Colonel just smiled in response before taking a snapshot of the two.
Edward sighed. He looked around, observing that the only person preparing for the meeting was the First Lieutenant. Everyone else was talking or drinking their morning coffee in bliss. Roy sat on the other end of the table "writing" on the documents in front of him. To others it would seem he was doing work, but Ed knew the man was doodling again.
General Hakuro finally showed up fifteen minutes late. Though the man had a lot of important things to say about Central's interrogation, Edward couldn't help but cringe upon remembering the research funding. He continued picturing the man trying to whack himself solid. He also couldn't help referring to the man as "General Whack-uro." Hence, Edward vowed to remain silent and tried his best to focus on the actual content of the meeting.
"We have concluded that the terrorist group the White Tigers is responsible for the assault." The General informed. "Their obvious target is Ms. Melinda Bradley, being that she is the Fuhrer's only daughter. The Investigations Department has a detail on the description of this group. The basic premise is that most members have the tiger insignia tattoo somewhere on their bodies. It is also suspected that a faculty member from the school is involved with the group as their informant."
Hughes passed around a sheet of paper with the detail. "Our informants told us that the group plans on striking again," the Lieutenant Colonel informed. "more than likely sometime next week during the Academy's charity ball."
Ed raised an eyebrow. "Charity ball?"
"Every year the Academy hosts a charity ball inviting staff and students to participate. It's more like a dance and social event to be held at the Westmoor Estates." Hughes said.
"Westmoor?!" Ed exclaimed. "But that's two hours away."
"The Academy thrives on tradition." Hawkeye said, voice slightly bitter. "it's a large event which requires the students and participants to stay at the Estates for a few days before the ball. It's also the perfect opportunity for the terrorists to strike since everyone is away from home even when there are escorts."
"Then why don't they just cancel the event?" Havoc asked.
"The Headmistress would never condone bad publicity," Hawkeye answered.
"It is also a chance for us to capture the perpetrators." The General stated. "the Fuhrer asks that this issue be solved behind closed doors. The First Daughter only knows that there will be military personnel escorting her to the Estates, but she has not been informed of anything else. Nobody else, not even the Headmistress, knows of anything."
Roy laced his fingers together in thought. Everything behind closed doors, huh?
----
When the meeting adjourned, the General requested the Colonel to stay behind. Hughes paused a moment as he eyed his best friend briefly. "I'll close the door behind me," he stated.
Once the door softly clicked shut, Hakuro walked over by the window with his hands clasped behind his back. "The Fuhrer has a request for you."
"Would it have something to do with being behind closed doors?" Roy replied, staring at the older man's back.
Hakuro chuckled. "More like shutting the door, locking it, then throwing the key away."
"I see."
"It shouldn't be too hard on you now. These men are terrorists," the General reminded him. "And with what they did to your subordinate, they deserve it. Who knows what other person they may harm next?"
Roy didn't need to be reminded. He can still vividly see the boy's unconscious body lying limp on the ground. He clenched his fist. "Is this an order, sir?"
"An order from the Fuhrer to be exact." Hakuro let out a deep breath. "His command was: 'Burn them,' so burn them you shall. Leave nothing to be seen."
Roy gave him a salute. "Yes, sir."
It wasn't much of an order to be fulfilled. It was also his wish.
Chapter 28 End
Chapter 29: Please Stay
