That Word
There were a few words Edward Elric, under no circumstances, would allow himself to use. The first set of them involved the words 'give up', or anything using the same concept. The second, 'freak' or 'cripple'.
The third was 'I love you'.
He loved his little brother, of that there was no doubt. And Ed would personally have no issues clocking the bastard that dared even hint otherwise.
Al didn't need to hear those words from him, he knew.
Edward wasn't sure how he felt about Roy Mustang. It was not quite as simple as the pure and uncompromising affection he had for Alphonse, yet...
It shouldn't be love. Sometimes, he and his lover got along horribly. Ed shouted and Roy teased, and both somehow ended up getting their feelings hurt along the way. The Fullmetal Alchemist wouldn't and couldn't stay by the Flame's side, and the Flame Alchemist needed.
The whole thing was a terrible idea and on so many levels. It was likely brought on by loneliness and hormones.
But then Roy would smile at him in a particular way, one Edward never saw him share with anyone else. Or the blond would be exhausted, so close to throwing the book he was researching across the room and just screaming, and somehow his lover knew exactly what to say.
Sometimes Roy would suddenly sit up stick-straight in bed at night, his breath hoarse and rapid. Those lovely dark eyes would stare blindly ahead, opened far too wide. Edward would then lean over and put an arm around the other man's shoulders.
And somehow, it always seemed to help.
Edward sighed and looked over at his lover from his place on Roy's office couch. The older man was reviewing his newest mission report, and though Ed just got back in town he could already tell Roy had pulled a few all-nighters that week. Again.
Roy looked up and met his gaze, then, as if by magic, his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly.
"Hey, I'll go grab you some extra coffee." Ed nodded, and then stood up.
Honestly, there were some words that people just didn't need. They were awkward and messy things, really. Humans were strange like that.
Bringing the hot mug back to his lover, Ed smiled.
There was nothing he needed to say.