Havoc remained on the stairs long after Ed had left, just looking down the road. After Ed had come to apologise, they had gone inside.

Havoc smiled to himself. They really hadn't done anything. They had barely even spoken. But somehow, it was nicer than anything he had experienced before. They had sat together on the couch, Ed resting his head on Havocs shoulder while Havoc stroked the fringe that constantly hung over Eds face.

Eventually Ed had stretched, saying that he really should go before Al started wondering where he was. Havoc had stood with Ed, keeping his arm draped over those shoulders, somehow reluctant to let go.

Ed hadn't protested.

Together they walked to the door, and Havoc had given those shoulders a squeeze before letting go. Edward said goodbye, and thank you again.

And with that, he had left. And Havoc remained on the stairs. He wondered when he would get to see Ed again. Mustang had told him not to come in for the rest of the week, so he had no reason to be hanging around work. That would only draw attention.

So it was really up to Ed to decide when they would next spend time together.

Havoc sighed, turned and re-entered the house. He knew now it was hopeless to pretend to himself any longer. He couldn't lie about his feelings for Ed.

Trust me to fall in love with the one person who will never feel the same way.

Still, in love with him he was. So Havoc would take what he could get, no matter what it was.

-------

Ed wandered his way along the road, a faint smile playing across his features. He couldn't believe how much more settled he felt, just from that hour sitting with Havoc the previous night. He hadn't realised just how on edge he had been until the reason for his stress had been taken away.

What exactly does that mean?

He didn't think he was in love with the man. But at the same time, he certainly regarded him in a different light to the way he did someone like Schiezka, or even Winry. It was strange.

Ed looked up, and realised his wanderings had taken him to Havocs house. Somehow, he wasn't all that surprised. He shrugged. Havoc had been at home all day, probably bored shitless. It wouldn't hurt to be able to do something for him, just for a change. He walked up the steps, pulled his automail hand out of its pocket, knocked, and waited.

And waited some more.

He tried knocking again, louder this time. Still no answer.

Where was he? Ed had gone to all the trouble to come over and keep him company, and the man didn't even have the decency to be home when Ed arrived!

Ed scowled before marching back down the path.

Really, some people need to start thinking about others a little more.

Ed had gotten about ten paces down the rod when a familiar voice called out

"Ed! Wait a sec!"

Ed turned to find Havoc struggling up the path with what seemed to be about a hundred and fifty-seven bags of groceries.

Well, ok, it's only about ten, but still. Those are big bags.

"Don't suppose you can give me a hand with these, can ya? I got a little carried away with buying stuff."

Ed huffed before reaching forward and taking a few from the other man.

"I came over to keep you company, you know. And you weren't even home!"

"Yeah, I thought I'd take advantage of having some spare time to get some actual food in the house. Thought I might like to eat real food tonight, just for something different."

Ed made a noise that to Havoc sounded suspiciously like he was blowing a raspberry. He arched one eyebrow, but said nothing. This was Ed after all. And he had come to visit him. Just for that simple fact, he felt he could forgive Ed almost anything.

"Since I've got more food than I could possibly eat by myself, how would you like to stay for dinner?"

Ed only had to give that question about half a seconds thought before answering.

"What do you think?"

-------

They sat opposite each other on the floor. Havoc was quite pleased with himself. He'd managed to get a halfway decent dinner for the two of them. Ok, it wasn't anything spectacular, but it was more than just edible – he loved that word, Edible – and the other was tucking into it with a gusto. Watching the boy eat, Havoc felt a sudden rush of affection. He laughed quietly to himself, although not quietly enough for Ed not to hear him.

"Whats so funny, then?" he demanded around a mouthful of potato.

"Nothing. I was just thinking that you're looking happier than I've seen you for months. It's kind of nice."

Ed stopped shoveling food into his mouth to stare at Havoc, before muttering "Yeah, whatever," and resuming the action.

Havoc sat and watched Ed eat. It really was an...interesting experience. He'd never seen anyone put so much effort into forcing something as innocuous as a carrot into submission. Yes. It certainly was an experience. Finally though, Ed had had his fill.

He stretched back, arms over his head, feet thrust forwards. It was not lost on Havoc that the position lead to a slight...tightening of Eds pants. He didn't think he'd seen Ed look quite as beautiful as he did at that moment. He shuffled over until he was next to Ed, both of them leaning against the wall.

"How was it, then?" he asked as he lit a cigarette.

"It was good. And do you have to do that? I've told you I hate those damned things."

Havoc gave his normal reaction to that question. He shrugged.

"I need something to do with my hands."

"Is that so?"

Ed looked around the room. There was a bookshelf (curiously devoid of books), the couch, a single chair and a low table. Otherwise, it was basically a wide expanse of floor. Havoc was trying to figure out what was so interesting about his living room when Ed jumped to his feet.

"Put out the cigarette."

Havoc lifted his eyebrows in surprise.

"No."

"Put out the cigarette."

"No. I told you, I need it."

"So you've got something to do with your hands." Ed said flatly.

"Thats what I said."

"What if I could think of something better for you to do with your hands?"

"Yeah? Like what?"

Actually, I can think of several things that would be better, but I don't think thats what you've got in mind.

"Like me."

The cigarette fell unseen to the floor as Havocs jaw dropped. He stared at Ed, not quite believing what his ears had just heard. Ed looked back, unabashed. It was only the smell of the smoke smoldering on the floor that caused Havoc to finally drop his gaze.

"Unless you'd rather not." Ed said as Havoc frantically stubbed out the small fire that was starting.

Havoc looked up, brushing the ash off the palms of his hands.

"Thats not it. I just wasn't expecting you to say that, is all."

He reached up, grabbing Eds arm before pulling him down into his lap. Ed shifted his legs so he was straddling Havoc, noses centimeters apart. Havoc wrapped his arms around Eds waist, and felt the others hands sit gently on his shoulders. The automail made the alchemist heavier than he otherwise would have been, but to Havoc the weight was perfect. No one else could feel quite the way Ed did, and that was what made it right.

"I've missed this, you know," he said as he pulled Ed in for a kiss.