In The Middle Of Reading

Roy had a library. Well not really, but something close to it. It was the first thing Maes noticed about Roy, when they lived together in a dorm together.

Some of the books were on shelves and other books were in crates. The unimportant ones were in the crates. Or at least the ones Roy didn't use as much. Or so Roy thought. He had seen on more than one occasion, Roy searching through the crates with a vengeance.

Searching for the book, that he needed at the exact moment. Like it was a matter of life and death. It wasn't, but Maes suppose he didn't understand.

After all, there was a saying in the military that no one understood a state alchemist like another state alchemist.

And Maes supposed it was true. At least to an extent. Because, he sometimes thought that Roy understood him well. And he likes to think he understood Roy.

Kinda.

Sometimes he would pick up one of Roy's books (usually from one of the crates) and read it. Or try at least. True he never understood everything the book talked about. He likes to think he got some of it.

Sometimes, Roy would catch him reading. Roy never complained or tries to take the book away. He would sit himself beside Maes and watch him read. Sometimes, he picked up a book to read himself. But, mostly he watched.

Always watched with a slight smile.

And Maes appreciated the gesture of not being disturbed.

It was a tradition.

Years went by and the books got harder but Maes continued. He understood less of the books but it wasn't the point.

The point was getting Roy to smile.

Roy Mustang smirked a lot but he smiles rarely and even then you could argue if it was real or not.

However when Maes read the smile was genuine.