Disclaimer: Characters unfortunately © to all the wonderful makers of Fullmetal Alchemist. I only chose to play with the boys.
Author's Notes: I've finally started to set the story into the series' timeline. Hopefully there won't be too many horrible spoilers for any of you who haven't seen all of it. I won't go into plot, but things need to be mentioned because of what I want to have happen at the end. This is starting to get a bit heavier on the angst, and like I said, a decrease in smut. But I'll sneak it back in, trust me. XD And thank you guys for all the wonderful comments!!
Namida
- chapter 6 -
Jaded
He had never expected him to keep the promise. He had especially never expected him to keep it for so long. Once upon a time Ed would have taken the silence as a blessing, but after having constant encounters during his time in Central, months of silence had become more uncomfortable than the presence of the homunculus he had always considered the enemy. Perhaps now more than ever he needed that distraction; while the train rolled by the country side and the military sought him fervently. Edward stood there, huddled in his long coat, staring at the railing from behind dark emerald-tinged strands, doing his best to ignore the derogatory comments made about his height – or lack there of. No one had questioned his choice of disguise; the color of the once golden strands. It had been the first thing that came to mind at that moment; a silent reminder of a mortal enemy.
"Don't be such an idiot!" he cursed under his breath, before darting toward the train's cargo compartment and salvage their cover before it was too late.
- - - -
It was with his mind spinning with information that Ed made his way away from Dante's large house through the dense expanse of woods that surrounded it. There were things that made no sense. Names, dates, faces all too familiar, and the anger he had always felt – only now it was multiplied and confused. Part of that confusion came out of the tightly wrapped box he held in his pocket – the dug up key to success. But it wasn't about the one called Sloth his mind drifted to; he knew there was no remnant of his mother in that created being. It was a mistake he had to put an end to, and nothing more. But what of the others..?
What of him…
"Aren't you the ray of sunshine today, o-chibi-san"
Edward practically tripped over his feet at the sound of that voice. For a moment actually convinced himself he was hearing things, however it was hard to ignore the pair of half naked legs dangling from a tree branch a few meters away. Golden eyes widened and he forgot all about a graceful landing. "Envy!" He gasped, seconds later hitting the mossy ground. Above him, the homunculus laughed heartedly. Just great.
A soft thud announced the bastard's descent. The black toenails extending toward long pale legs above him only confirmed the assumption. Grumbling quietly, Ed pushed himself back onto his feet. Metal digits immediately felt into his pocket, making sure the small relic had not fallen out. Relieved to find it there, he finally found it in himself to gaze up into those unnaturally colored eyes. He immediately cursed himself and hastily looked away. The mirth had been far too obvious in those eyes – even if that was the way Envy always looked at him, there was something more there now. Or maybe it had been too long…maybe he was giving himself away; the thoughts that had been lingering in his head; the thoughts that had come back night after night to haunt his dreams with a need he had never thought possible.
The thought itself caused him to flush, much to his misfortune. The moment he felt the heat rise in his cheeks, cool fingers pressed to his jaw, forcing him to look back into those violet eyes. Edward glared. "You're following me."
"Would you believe me if I said I was merely passing by?"
The young alchemist scoffed, but relaxed slightly against that cool grasp. "Like hell you are. What do you want?"
"Tst," those fingers slid away from his jaw, and for a moment Ed found himself regretting the loss of that touch. "And here I thought I had kept up my end of the bargain."
"You did…"
"And still I receive such a cold welcome."
"I have to go…" he finalized, pushing to move past Envy. He would not allow himself to be distracted now; to have his previous resolve shattered by that mocking voice and gaze…by the line of taut muscles beneath pallid flesh. He must have modified that body again, Edward noted silently.
He had taken but two steps before his wrist was grasped, forcing him to halt in his place. "Not so fast, chibi-san" Envy purred, immediately leaning over him with the ever-present grace of a cat. Arms slid around his abdomen from behind; lips brushing against his jawline. Edward stilled, making all efforts to contain himself by staring at the earthy path in front of him.
"What t'hell do you think you're doing?"
"You" the Sin purred into his ear and he could tell that the bastard was grinning.
Golden eyes widened. "Don't even think about!" He stuttered, pushing away from his graceful captor. He did not need this now, nor –here- of all places!
"Saa chibi-san, you haven't turned into a prune since I left you to run out of Central, now have you?" Ed watched as an elegant brow disappeared beneath the soft cloth of the homunculus' headband. He felt himself flush slightly and attempted his best indignant glare. However, any response was sealed in his throat as Envy crossed the small distance he had managed to force between them, to steal a kiss from his lips.
Edward was frozen by surprise…and the feel of those lips against his once more; hungry, ardent, possessive as always. In that moment, he could no longer deny himself that he had missed that sensation, the flutter that shot up his spine, and the chills that followed.
The tree trunk that slammed against his back brought him back to reality – nevertheless a hazy one. Lips were still glued to his own in such a way that he found it impossible to deny them participation; to deny that enquiring tongue free reign into the warm cavern of his mouth. Even as he cursed himself for it, digits trailed up his enemy's – was he? – toned biceps, sliding up to hook tightly behind his neck, beneath the soft mass of emerald-tinted strands.
It was always the same, however; the same feverish passion in their encounters, whether it was in or out of the figurative bed. They fought like they fucked: with the same drive, and that perhaps is what bothered him the most. It took some effort, but after sliding a hand taut against Envy's chest, Ed drew back, swallowing dryly. Those golden eyes, glazed with the withdrawal his body had felt over the past few months and had now been offered, peered up at him. Envy looked as he usually did…though no smirk touched those swollen lips now, no mocking expression of mirth, but…slight confusion.
"Why me?" Edward breathed.
"What?"
"Why me?" the young alchemist repeated.
"I heard you the first time." Envy hissed, the confusion leaving his once vulnerable expression as it was replaced by a more sinister and fitting look. "'The hell are you asking?"
Wasn't that the question of the year. Suddenly, Edward felt tired. Head bowed, he leaned heavily against the tree trunk, arms hanging loosely at his sides. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"I'm giving you what you want," the Sin replied, smug as obvious; the grin returning to that pallid face.
"You're such a bad liar…" Edward whispered with a sigh. Thoughts flitted through his head, things he wanted to say, things he'd rather die before uttering out loud, especially to him. Things…things he decided were better left unsaid. With a deep exhale, he pushed himself away from the trunk once more and casting him Envy a short sideway's glance, head back down the path. "I have to go…"
"Now just wait a minute!" the growl called from behind him. He knew Envy would be angry. Envy was always angry for one reason or another. Unless he was sleeping…then he was vulnerable, even peaceful. He had found it hard to believe at first, but the night that had paid for his peace had given him a closer glimpse at the mythical abomination he was taking to bed. He was no such thing; not when the last rays of moonlight had been cast upon his sleeping figure, bare of all marks of imperfection; bare of all marks of his nature, safe for the ouroboros branded upon his thigh…and the red brands on his back. He had not yet figured out their significance, nor had it mattered that night. Maybe that was why he had left in such a hurry the following morning. Everything is much easier during the night when it's all quiet and there is no one to question your thoughts. That morning was different. Just like now was different. And still Edward paused, glimpsing over his shoulder.
"Don't…" he said quietly as he watched the other approach at the usual stormy pace. The softness of his tone was enough to get a positive response from the homunculus, which paused within arms length. "I have to go…" was all he said before forcing himself to look away.
It wasn't until he had taken a few steps that the young alchemist broke into a run; tears stinging his eyes as he dashed down the poorly traveled path. He did not need this now. He did not need to be distracted by things he could make absolutely no sense out of. He definitely did not need contradicting feelings in the battle he was about to wage.
- - - -
If the walk out of the damned forest hadn't haunted him enough, the sight of watching the last moments of the created being that had once been his mother was forever burned into his mind. He had prepared himself for the fight, but never planned on having to watch her disappear like that – the object of his sins, of his mistake… she looked so human, so real in those lingering moments of death that Ed wanted to look away – run away from it, even just so that he did not have to relieve the scene time and time again in his mind. She was not supposed to have remembered the life they once shared… such memories were only supposed to exist in his mind, and his brother's; not in the faux being they had created.
In that moment, Ed wanted nothing more than give up his endless pursuit and constant fight just so that he could seclude himself away somewhere. Away from the voices and faces that haunted his dreams every night. However, he new such wishes were childish; such peace was not meant for him. Not yet, at least. They had not come this far to give up, now.
All internal dialogue ended abruptly with Winry's appearance, peeking behind the large doorway that separated the warehouse from the sunlit trees. The young alchemist stepped forward, brows furrowing. The façade was far too easy to see through.
"Stop messing around!!" He snarled with a wave of a hand. He'd rather slam that hand squarely into his androgynous tormentor's face. The bastard had been there all along, doing absolutely nothing to stop him from killing one of his teammates – if she could be called such a thing. He'd enjoyed the freaking show without a word or intervention. The thought sickened him.
The sparks of alchemy, joined by that sultry chuckle drew him from his internal monologue once more. But it had been enough of a distraction, he noted, eyes widening. Envy had already claimed his younger brother, holding the large suit of armor upon his shoulder as if it were a small puppy. In those nights spent frolicking among the sheets, it was easy to forget that strength… all that was unnatural about Envy.
"Al!!" he called out, panic surging through him at once. He willed his body to move forward, but only came clashing into the smaller figure that had adeptly been named Wrath. He caught the child easily, but those eyes still focused on that devilish face; on those violet eyes that taunted him even during the waking hours. Ed silently begged him not to do this, knowing quite well that his efforts were in vain. After all, he was nothing but a puppet to them, despite having been sharing a bed. It was nothing more than a casual fuck.
Still…it wasn't how it was supposed to work.
"Envy!!" He screamed, trying to move forward, but Wrath would not allow it. That now-scared body barred his path; those eyes swore murder upon his head for having deprived him of the only mother figure the kid had ever known.
- - - -
There had been positively no reason for taking such harsh actions. He had always enjoyed a bit of drama, however. It had been hard to control himself after having been denied the one thing he had craved for over three months. Envy had not planned on scoring the newly created philosopher's stone as well as the most wonderful bait he could have ever captured, all in one shot. It was an added bonus that surely made up for the disappointing events earlier that afternoon.
Grinning widely, he stomped along, gracefully as only he could, away from the warehouse. Wrath was gradually becoming a problem – obsessed as he was with a mother that was not even his. Envy chuckled. If only he knew. But it did not matter to him. His agenda was his own, despite what that 'person' desired.
Nevertheless he could not help but sulk over Ed's behavior earlier on. Denied…completely denied. He had been certain that the pintsized alchemist had already been lured and weaved into his grasp. The night he had convinced him to remain 'till morning had been the finishing touch. Perhaps the months of separation had done more harm than good. Envy scowled, kicking a small pebble out of the bath as he shifted the large armor upon his bare shoulder. That was what he got for doing such a damn wonderful job at keeping his end of the deal. He cursed under his breath.
It was not until that moment that he realized that the younger Elric brother had been struggling against his hold and demanding answers of him. The homunculus shifted his violet visage toward the massively outdated chunk of metal, a dark brow disappearing under the cloth of his headband. A true blank expression touched that effeminate face momentarily before his signature grin crept over his lips.
"Don't worry, the chibi will come for you sooner or later," he chuckled quietly. "Just like he is supposed to…" the chuckle turned to a snicker. Sometimes he was able to amuse himself far too easily. But how could he not after seeing the widening glow that emitted from the darkness of the armor? The thought of the bean sized dog of the military running to the rescue as hot headed as ever, with no knowledge of what awaited him?
Soon everything would go right. After centuries of waiting, this would finally work… they had the stone and he would have the little alchemist. Call it… a step short of ultimate revenge: something sweeter than the death of Hohenheim could ever give him.
Yes…possession would be a far greater prize.
Finally! Sorry this took so long to write. It seems that the plot bunnies don't like it when I'm on break from school. Ironically enough. -.- But here it is and I must say that the latter half was written in 'bout 45 minutes while munching on Swedish Fish and listening to Aerosmith. Oo; Don't know how that equates either. XD There's a few more parts before the ficcie really ends, so stay tuned for that.
