Unlikely Bond

Chapter Four

"We'll be nice…"

Rated M for strong and offensive language

Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist….and I bet there are a lot of people who are glad about that.

"So, this is what we have to do?" Ed asked, looking through the file before passing it to Akume. The girl took it, flipping through the file, her face impassive.

"Yes," Hughes said, his head resting on clasped hands. They were in Hughes' office in Central HQ. Hughes, Alphonse, Edward, and Akume had all gone there together after dropping Elysia off at school. No one had said much, except Ed and Akume to Al about his engagement. But, now that they were all in Maes' office, there was a lot of talking.

"Looks pretty routine. So, why did we have to do this together?" Akume looked up, her eyes flickering between Maes and Al.

"Because this is a cover story. This is what the report will say, but what you'll be doing is nothing like what it says."

Akume passed the file back to Hughes and folded her arms, her eyebrow raised, waiting for the rest. Ed leaned forward, waiting for an explanation. From his place by the window, Alphonse coughed and Hughes nodded, "Go ahead major."

Alphonse nodded and glanced at his brother and friend. Edward, likewise, looked at Al, still getting accustomed to seeing his brother in a uniform. Edward had vowed never to wear one, to never have a rank. He thought the uniforms were stiff and stupid looking. Not that he would tell Al he looked stupid; Al actually looked pretty good in it. Still, uniforms would never be for Ed.

"The cover story is that you're following up on a lead for the Philosopher's Stone. In reality, you'll be trying to locate a cave and then find out what's inside of it."

Ed raised an eyebrow while Akume snorted, "We're going spelunking? Since when is that a military job?"

Hughes shook his head, "No. We've been getting some reports about strange creatures roaming in the area near Xenotime. We got a tip a few weeks ago about a group of kids finding a cave, but as to where it is we don't know. Whatever the kids found has scared them so bad they aren't talking."

Akume looked at Ed, their differences seeming to have been set aside while they were all talking business, "Do you think it's chimeras?"

Ed shrugged, "I don't know. It would make sense though." He looked at Hughes, "But what I want to know is why us?"

Maes smiled, "You two are the two most qualified. Your experience with chimeras is unrivaled Edward, and with Akume's alchemy-"

"So, you think its chimeras too, then?" Akume interrupted.

Alphonse nodded, "Yes. We can't think of anything else it could be."

Ed, "So…when do we leave?"

Maes nodded, "I take it from your attitude you'll be doing this then without complaint?"

Akume rolled her eyes, "Not much of a choice. When do we leave?"

"This afternoon," Maes said, and then his eyes narrowed, "I don't need to tell you two to keep an eye out for-"

"No, you don't," Ed said, almost bored.

"We'll keep an eye out, and if we can, we'll catch him."

"He's not just some other criminal, Akume. Scar is dangerous. He's already killed fifteen alchemists and four soldiers who got in the way."

Akume smirked, "Well, these are two alchemists he won't add to the body count."

Ed nodded, "We'll be careful Lieutenant Colonel."

"That's good, because Roy will have my head if anything happened to you two…not to mention dear Alphonse here."

Al smiled. Akume stood, stretching, and looked at Maes, "So, is that all Uncle Maes?"

"Yes. You two may go. Al, you are dismissed for the day so you can spend the next few hours with your brother."

"Thank you sir."

Ed stood, following Akume to the door, but he stopped when Hughes called to him, "Edward. Here; don't forget your tickets."

Edward walked back and took the train tickets. Hughes smiled ad shared a nod. Ed stuffed the tickets into his pocket and left. Hughes watched the three go and sighed. Reaching for his phone, he dialed Roy's number.

"Roy, its Maes. I told them, and they took it pretty well. It was like they already knew. Ed and May seem to be getting along pretty well. I haven't heard them yell at each other yet today."

There was a sudden crash from outside his door and the sound of loud yelling and cursing reached his ears. Hughes sighed, "Never mind, I take that back."

/------------------------/

"Oh, I'm going to miss you," Winry said, hugging Ed then kissing him on the cheek. "Take care of yourself, all right? And try and be nice to Akume."

Ed rolled his eyes, "Why are those the last words everyone says to me?"

Winry patted his head, "Just be nice, Ed. I'll see you when you guys get back."

Ed picked up his suitcase and boarded the train, wearing his usual clothes. He'd already said good-bye to Al and the Hughes family. Akume was already in their compartment, leaning out the window, frowning deeply. Al was talking to her and Ed could guess what was being said because he read the words 'be nice' on his brother's lips. Everyone did realize that he and Akume were almost adults, right? They didn't need to be told to 'be nice' every five seconds.

Irritated, Edward grabbed the back of Akume's purple coat, pulling her inside and into her seat. Edward leaned out the window and scowled, "We'll be nice, all right? Now bug off!"

He stood back and plopped into his seat, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. The train's whistle blew and began to pull out of the station. Akume adjusted her clothing, taking off her gloves and coat as she did so, her automail left arm plainly visible. Ed partially lifted on of his eyelids, watching her. Her hair was tied up as it normally was. She wore a dark green T-shirt and black pants that, and Ed was just noticing this, were loose, but form fitting enough to let people know that she was a girl. Bunching up her coat and stuffing her gloves into her pocket, Akume kicked off her black boots and lay down, her back to Ed.

Well, this is a familiar sight, Ed thought, looking at the girl. He sighed and fully closed his eye, only to open them again when Akume spoke.

"Wake me up when we get there, will ya'?"

"And why would I do that?"

"Because I'm asking you too."

"And what if I was going to get some sleep?"

"Not my problem."

"Oh, but I think it is."

Akume sat up; looking at him, glaring then jerked her head in surprise at the smirk playing on his lips. She frowned, "You son of a bitch. You are a royal pain in the ass, you know that?"

Edward frowned, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't insult my mother."

Akume blinked and rubbed her neck, going slightly red, "Sorry…"

It was Edward's turn to blink. Did I hear her right, he asked himself. "Excuse me?"

Akume gave him her trademark glare, "You heard me, blondie."

"So, you did say it. I was wondering…thought I was dreaming." He smiled, "You're forgiven."

"I wasn't asking to be forgiven, asshole."

Ed frowned, "Can't we have a pleasant conversation without you cussing at me, hag?"

"When you stop being such a prick, then yeah."

"I bet you never can. I bet it's impossible for you."

They stared at each other and Akume sighed, reaching down and pulling her boots back on. She then stood, slipping her coat back on, but left her gloves in her pocket. She folded her arms and glared at the boy. Her green eyes went steely, "Yeah, well I bet your wrong."

Ed saw the challenge and grinned impishly, "Yeah? I beg to differ."

Akume leaned forward, hands on her knees, "You are going to be sorry, Elric. But if I can't cuss, then you can't either."

Edward leaned forward, mirroring her, "I'll take that bet…but let's get one thing straight; does 'crap' count?"

"No, but 'shit' does."

Ed grinned, and blew in her face, "Works for me."

Akume jerked back, rubbing her face. "Yelch! What he- what was that for?"

Ed grinned, "Ha! Almost had you and it hasn't even been a minute."

Akume scowled, "Nice trick, Elric. It won't work again."

Ed looked at her and frowned, "There you go with that Elric' stuff again. Can't you just call me 'Edward'?"

Akume looked away, "I told you I'd call you that when we were friends."

"Yeah, and you'd call me 'Ed' when we were more than friends. I remember."

She whirled on him, standing up, "Then why do you keep pushing!"

He stood up, putting his face into hers, "Because I don't like being called by my surname!"

Akume shouted back, hands clenching into fists, "That's not my problem!"

Edward growled, glaring, "It will be because if you call me 'Elric' again, I'm going to punch your face in! What is so hard about calling me by my name, Akume?"

Akume blinked and turned her head, looking out the window. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't tell him what she'd told Winry.

/Flashback/

Akume stood ready to boar the train. Ed was saying his good-byes to Al and the Hughes. She was going to get on before him, get settled, and set herself up to ignore him. However, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder and paused. Turning, her eyes met Winry's, and the other girl looked worried.

"Akume…I want to ask you something."

Akume rolled her eyes, "Not now, Winry."

"Yes now. Later won't be better." With that, Winry pulled Akume to the side, hiding them from view of the others. Akume felt very uncomfortable, but that wasn't going to deter Winry. "Look, I talked to Ed about it yesterday. I won't tell you what he said, but I just want you to know I wasn't just targeting you."

"Well, spit it out," Akume said, irritated and a little worried.

Winry took a breath, "Akume…I want to know, for real this time. Not one of those cover stories. I've always known them to be fake, but it's never really mattered. But it does now. So, tell me truthfully; why are you so mean to Ed?"

Akume blinked and looked away, but Winry grabbed her chin and made her look back. Win's face was serious and Akume struggled free, snapping softly, "What does it matter?"

"A lot matters. Just tell me."

Akume scowled, "And if I don't?"

Winry sighed, "I'm not going to threaten you Akume, I just want to know. Ed's like a brother, and when Al and I get married, he will be a brother. As the sister, I gotta look out for him. I mean, he told me he li----I mean, he told me some stuff and your reason fro being nasty matters."

Akume frowned. Winry had stopped herself from finishing her sentence and Akume wanted to know why. She thought she knew what it was, but wasn't sure. Winry wouldn't tell her, though, she knew that. The other girl crossed her arms and glared, "So, you're playing big sister, then? That's why you want to know?"

"Not only that. I mean…you two did get along, nicely. What happened, Akume? Why do you hate him?"

"I don't hate him."

"Then why do you act like you do?"

Akume looked away, her tone clipped and close to yelling, "Because I like him." She looked at Winry, "I like him a lot, okay? There, you happy?"

Winry smiled, "Yes, actually." Then the other girl frowned, "But that doesn't tell me why you are so mean to him. I mean, if you like him, you should tell him, not try and kill him."

Akume looked at Winry, her eyes hard, "You really want to know, Win?"

"Yes," she said, "I need to know if I need to beat you up or not."

Akume couldn't stop herself from snorting out a laugh. She chuckled for a bit, "Yeah…ha…that would be funny."

Then Akume had told her. Winry had leaned in close so Akume could whisper. Once the black haired girl was done, Winry pulled back, "Well…it makes sense now, but…Akume you aren't like that."

"How do I know for sure?"

Winry wrapped her in a hug, "Because I know you and I say so. You aren't like that."

Akume chuckled, "Maybe...maybe not." She pulled back, "Hey…Winry. What did Ed say to you?"

Winry smiled, "I promised I wouldn't tell. If you want to know, you'll have to ask him, or wait for him to tell you. Now, let's get you on that train, okay?"

Akume nodded and followed. She was at the top of the stairs when Winry called her name, "Akume…do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Call him 'Edward' at least."

Akume blinked and looked down the hallway, "I can't Winry."

"Why not?"

"Because told him that the day I called him 'Edward' was the day I told him what I just told you."

"I know, he told me that, so I'm asking you to call him 'Edward'. Didn't you feel better when you told me that stuff?"

"Well, yeah…"

"Then tell him. You'll feel loads better, and I bet you two will have a better time of things."

Akume blinked, "Winry…he didn't by any chance say he liked me, did he?"

Winry backed away, waving, "I said I couldn't say anything. See you when you get back, Akume. I gotta say 'good-bye' to Ed now."

/Flashback/

Akume sighed and looked at him, suddenly very glad that they were the same height. "I just don't feel like it."

Edward glared and poked her mouth with his fingers. Akume jerked back, slapping the digits away.

"What the heck are you doing?"

"Checking to see if any part of your mouth is broken that makes it hard to say my name."

"My mouth is just fine!"

"Then maybe it's your tongue."

Akume's eyes went wide as he took her head in his hands. She was frozen for a moment, and then shoved him back. Akume stumbled back, falling into her seat. She looked up at him and tried to glare, but the shock was too pronounced, "Don't you even think about it."

"And just what was I thinking?"

"I…dunno." She bit her lip and closed her eyes, hoping that she had indeed fallen asleep and this was all a dream. She opened them and gasped, trying to shove herself into her seat. Edward was leaning over her, his hands on either side of her legs. Akume went stiff.

"Akume, everyone told me to be nice, but if you don't tell me…" he let it hang.

Akume laughed, "You threatening me, Elric?"

Edward frowned, "What did I tell you I'd do if you called me that again?"

Akume glowered, still frozen in her seat, at least her body was but her mouth kept running, "Elric, Elric, Elric, Elric, Elric." She smirked, "Go ahead…I dare you."

There was a long moment, Akume's eyes glittering with challenge and Edward's filling with desire. Akume felt her heart start to race as she suddenly realized she'd imagined this so many times, so many scenarios, so many conversations. She was suddenly keenly aware of just about everything about her body and his. So close…nothing else mattered, just the smell of Ed and the warm of his body over hers.

Akume raised her head challengingly and heard Winry in her head again. 'Call him 'Edward' at least.' Akume swallowed. "What's wrong…never hit a girl before, Edward?"

He blinked, "What did you-"

Akume glowered, "You really need to get those ears checked." She swallowed, "Would you umm…could you do whatever it is you are gonna do, or get away from over me? I would really appreciate it."

Edward jerked back, and Akume felt relieved and disappointed at the same time. She sat up, adjusting herself until she felt him sit next to her. She jumped and turned, her heart racing, hoping it wasn't loud enough for hi, to hear. Little did she know Ed was thinking the same thing about his own.

"So," he said, "Are you going to tell me?"

"Tell you what?" Akume asked.

"Don't start that again, or I will smack you."

"You wouldn't."

"I wouldn't?"

Akume looked past him out the window, then leaned back and sighed. "I'm going to take a nap."

"Now wait on moment, you said-"

"The day isn't over, Edward."