Bandit- (looks at reviews) I can see a trend here…

Ed- Huh?

Bandit- Everyone wants more you, Ed. (grumbles) I have no idea why…

Ed- Well, obviously because I'm the star of the show! It's named after me for cripes sake!

Bandit- Whatever, shortie. But what the reviewers want, the reviewers get, so extra dose of Ed.

Ed and Roy- YES! Thank you, reviewers!

Bandit- (whispers to herself) Too bad that Ed's gonna be-

Roy- What are you mumbling?

Bandit- Nothing! (snickers)

Disclaimer- Why would I want to own FMA? Just because it has so many bishies that would all be my personal slaves and do my bidding and take over the world… Nah.

(A/N) Lots of denial and angst. So hard to write it :p I'm so frickin' scared to write this chapter, because you will all kill me with the flames I'm gonna get for writing this… (run and hides in a fire proof shack) On with the fic!

"You were engaged?" Ed asked, disbelief evident in his tone. "Are you sure it wasn't a clone, or some long lost twin?"

Roy shrugged. "Believe it or not, there once was a time settling down seemed possible."

"What was her name?"

"Jessica Stiling." Roy now looked like he regretted giving Ed information about his past private life. But Ed was far from satisfied.

"So did your play boy ways do ya in?"

The raven haired man frowned at Ed. "Didn't you promise to leave me alone? I've already given you two pieces of info."

"Oh come on!" Ed slammed his hands on the table in frustration. "You can't leave me hanging like that!" Not when he was finally getting a peek inside Mustang's mind…

Roy grinned at him. "Can't I?" Warning bells went off in Ed's head, but he ignored them and desperately thought of some way to appease his superior.

"Well…" he racked his brain, "Ummm… maybe if I tell you something about me?…"

"Hmmm…" That certainly would be interesting. Roy had to admit he like that idea. He could always use more dirt to tease Edward about. "Agreed. But I get to ask two questions of my choosing. And you have to answer them. Deal?"

"Deal. Now finish."

"I met Jessica at the deli downtown here in Central. I wouldn't call it love at first sight, but that body demanded attention…"

"That's nice. Just what I wanted to hear." Ed rolled his eyes. 'God damn womanizer…'

"All curves and cleavage…"

"Colonel, that's nice, but what about-"

"Full pouty lips…"

"Colonel! Wake up, you sick pervert!"

"Actually was a true red head too…"

"AHH! I'm gonna pretend I did NOT just hear that!"

"And that perfect ass…"

"MUSTANG!"

"That was some of the best se-"

"ROY! YOU FUCKING PERVERT I DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SEXUAL ESCAPADE!" Roy blinked.

"Did you just call me by my first name?"

Ed resisted the urge to sucker punch the man. "Nothing else was working! Now finish the damn story!"

"Oh, yes… where was I?"

Ed shook his head in pure disgust. "You met her at a deli… whore man…" (1)

"Just because I can get laid is no reason to-"

"Are you gonna finish?"

"Fine. Impatient brat." Ed decided the best course of action was to ignore Roy for the moment and kill him as soon as he was done telling his story. "Well, we hit it off pretty well. She had been waiting for some gentleman who never showed up, so I sat next to her and bought her a drink. I guess what got me was not only was she beautiful, she had a beautiful personality. Kind and caring, but strict. Great sense of humor, but practical as well. Would make the perfect wife and mother… It seemed perfect anyway. And for a while it was. We started seeing each other for about a year and then I popped the question. She said yes." Roy's eyes held a glazed look, like he was trapped in his own memories. He stared at the spot right above Ed's head. "But it just didn't work out. A week before the wedding, I broke the engagement."

"You got cold feet?"

"……… Yes. That's it. Couldn't go through with it." Ed had never seen the Colonel look so sad, like it was physically hurting him to bring up his past. His eyes still stared off in space. "She hated me for it. Slapped me on the face and left. I have no idea where she is now."

Unexplainable anger rose inside of Ed. 'I don't even know the woman and I hate her…' A small little part of Ed told him that it was called jealousy. Ed laughed at it and cut up the thought into microscopic sized pieces.

"But enough of that." Roy refocused and grinned at Ed, all previous angst forgotten. "I get to ask you a few questions."

"Only two," Ed warned.

"Of course," The grin morphed into a smirk. "First off, I want to know your preference."

"My what?"

"Yes, your preference." Roy mistook the shock for disbelief.

"What the hell do you mean?" Ed glared at the man in front of him.

Roy tried to grasp how a boy of seventeen could be that naïve. 'Didn't he learn anything when I practically let him travel the world?' "Fullmetal, do you prefer men or women?"

"Prefer them for what?"

Roy rested his forehead in his right hand. "Attraction to men or women?"

"Oh… I don't know."

Roy stared at him in incredulity. "How can you not know? I assume, however doubtful, that you have hit puberty."

"Hey! I just never thought about it before!" Ed said in his defense. And it was the truth. Most of his teenage years had been spent worrying about getting Al's body back and his lost limbs. Relationships of any kind, unless unavoidable, came second.

'Well that was a waste of time,' Roy thought The teen didn't even know who he'd rather sleep with. Should have seen that coming…

At least he doesn't not like men…

'What the hell?' Roy just wanted to get some embarrassing facts on Ed. He didn't give a damn about the boy's preference. It wasn't like he wanted a relationship with the boy… of course not! Because that would mean he was willing to give love another chance and he was falling for a bratty, half pint rebel. No way in heaven or hell was either of those going to happen.

Happy that he'd cleared up that mess in his head, Roy asked his last question.

"Have you ever been kissed?"

"WHAT?"

'By the damn gate, why did I ask that question?'

Ed obviously shared Roy's thoughts. He turned beet red and glared at the table. Like hell he was gonna answer that question. 'I'm not giving him anymore excuses to tease me!' It was embarrassing enough knowing he was seventeen and had never considered kissing someone else.

Whether he meant to ask or not, Roy still wanted Ed to tell him. "The table isn't going to walk up and leave if you stop staring at it." Watching the boy stirred a distinct feeling inside Roy.

If possible Ed blushed deeper at the stupid comment, but still kept his eyes trained on the table. 'I will not tell him! I will not tell him! He can just assume the worst because I will not tell him!' A hand on his shoulder woke him up from his thoughts. Edward looked up and choked on his breath. When the hell had the Colonel left his chair?

Roy knelt down next to Ed, smirk firmly in place now and stared into Ed's now very alarmed (and very pretty) golden eyes. "Come on, Edward. I won't laugh." Ed's eyes widened.

'Did he call me Edward?'

Roy's face was now eerily close to his and Ed could see the flecks of brown in his black eyes. The warning bells in his head were in a frenzy, trying to warn Ed away from what they now considered a very dangerous threat.

"Have you ever been kissed?" Roy leaned in closer and smiled as Ed's eyes squeezed shut and his blush got brighter. 'So cute…' "Well, have you?" His lips were centimeters from brushing against Ed's.

There was no answer. Ed's brain was currently on shut down and showed no signs of coming to. His senses were over powered by the sweet scent of the Colonel's cologne and his body heat. In fact, he felt a little dizzy and had a death grip on his chair. His breathing came out in slight pants.

'This is wrong.' Roy subconscious swore at its body and demanded to know what the fuck it was doing. The boy was almost fifteen years his junior! And an innocent to boot! He was a inch away from the mother of all demotions and lawsuits.

Roy ignored it. This might have been a joke at first, but it grew more serious. His body had switched to auto pilot and he couldn't stop his advancement if he wanted to. Why would he? Ed was so pretty sitting there with that cute blush, face tilted up slightly to receive the kiss.

'This is wrong.' That annoying part of Ed's conscious (the one he thought he'd killed) spoke up at the worst possible time and broke the spell Roy had weaved on Ed. And when he felt Roy's breath barely brush his lips, he panicked

Ed pushed with all his strength and the Colonel landed on his backside with a thud. The surprise more than the pain made the Colonel come to and his eyes refocused. Guilt, surprise, and shame shone in them. And Ed saw it all. 'Oh god, I almost let him…' Ed rose from his chair and made a mad dash for the library door.

Roy watched numbly as Ed left the library and ran a hand through his black hair. There was no point in calling out for the teen, at least not until he figured out what was going on within himself. And that would almost certainly take a long while.

Picking himself up, Roy made his way back to the table, still in the hazy fog of confusion and trying to comprehend what possessed him to try and kiss Ed. After that little stunt, he could no longer convince himself he was uninterested in the golden haired teen. He sat down and put his face in his hands, like he could hide from the world.

Reanalyzing the situation, he felt a sharp sensation in his stomach from remembering how close he'd been to Ed. 'Even now I still want him!' He growled in frustration. 'Am I that desperate that I'll lust over a boy half my age?' Of course not. Edward was handsome; it was like saying the ocean was blue. He knew of many officers who lusted over him, no doubt about that. And Roy was human, after all. He found handsome and beautiful things attractive. Simple.

But that didn't change the fact that he lusted over him.

'I feel like I'm coming out of the closet.' Roy chuckled dully to himself. This was why he hated analyzing himself. He found out so many things that he'd rather deny. Like how all the teasing was his pathetic excuse to get closer to the boy without having to actually admitting it. Or how he'd call Ed in to his office when he didn't have a mission ready, just so he could talk to the boy. 'Well, more arguing than anything else, but whatever I can get.'

Now that he thought about it, was he really that lonely? Was that the reason he enjoyed Ed's company? Sure, he had Hughes to talk to, but the man had a family now and his own problems. Hawkeye could be too distant when she wanted to, and Havoc was on a mission of his own for companionship. And Shayla…

'She's too new to the group. Almost too motherly. I need something different.'

But Ed had always been different. The first time he had seen him, battered and bleeding, Ed was a small flame that refused to be put out. He'd known of the boy's idolism of him. And he in part had always been fascinated by the child's determination and down right stubbornness. Plus the added bonus Ed was one of the few who could hold his own intellectually against Roy (not to mention physically). Despite all that, he repeatedly pushed Ed away. Much safer, especially after the incident with Jessica. (2)

But whether on purpose or not, Roy had unwittingly dung his own grave. Pushing the boy away was no longer an option for him. He couldn't avoid Ed, and Ed wouldn't forget the event from a few minutes ago. So it was either get rid of him, dive right back in denial, or tell Edward he was willing to let their odd friendship advance into something more.

Denial sounded pretty damn good. (3) 'It's not like I'm in love with him,' he scoffed. 'Just infatuation, even a great deal of fondness. I can deal with that.' Roy just wanted a bit of companionship, not love. Never love.

But what happens when it stops being just infatuation and fondness? Or maybe it already has…

And that was exactly what Roy feared.

The crisp night air contrasted sharply with Ed's reddened face when he made his way through the streets. He really wasn't watching where he was going. He didn't care, just wanted to clear his brain of all the questions that bounced around relentlessly in his head.

'That bastard almost kissed me! On the lips! And what do I do? Sit there like an idiot and almost let him!' That stung the most, knowing he'd probably looked willing to Roy. 'I'm not some easy bitch!' Ed growled and frightened off a stray dog in his path. "Lousy bastard Colonel…"

Ed wandered around for about thirty minutes, chanting the same lines in his head and on his lips as though he'd forget them if he stopped, struggling to keep the anger alive. He gave up soon after that, and maneuvered toward a lone bench to rest on.

Ed sighed in content as he took some pressure off his legs and rested his head on the top of the bench, eyes closed and a bit more relaxed. He wasn't angry anymore, just tired and worn around the edges. 'I probably wasn't even angry. Just shell shocked.' Yeah, that sounded about right. The Colonel was good at scaring the shit out of him at times.

The near kiss seemed a bit much for him, though. Of all the times he'd teased him, sexual innuendo was strictly avoided. At least if it involved the two of them. It just didn't have a place in their constant power struggles. Roy was good, but he had limits too. Ed could still see the emotions in his Colonel's eyes. His apparent shock must have been equivalent to Ed's, so he didn't plan on his little joke to go that far. And then there was the lust…

Ed shivered, and it wasn't because of the chill outside. 'Even I'm not that ignorant. He wanted me, for that brief second.' But was the feeling mutual?

'Okay, what a stupid question to ask myself.' Mustang was hot, sinfully so. And with the question of if he played both fields answered, Ed couldn't deny he was attracted to the man. That wasn't what gave him so much doubt about the situation

First of all, why would the Colonel want him? Mustang could have anyone, even Hawkeye if he were persistent enough. Women of all ages threw themselves at his feet, in his arms, in his pants… Roy Mustang practically had his own brothel of women parading around him daily. It was no secret. So why waste his time with a hot tempered orphan?

'Maybe just to prove he can…' Ed's facial expression darkened at that thought. He never believed the Colonel capable of something that low. Sure he was a professional at being an ass, but Ed never doubted he was a good person below all the smirks, teasing, and insults about his lack of height. No, the Colonel wouldn't do that, as far as Ed was concerned

That conclusion brought him right back to square one: Why? He could think about it until dawn came, but the question would remain unsolved.

Ed hated mysteries.

'God my head hurts.' After all that thinking, the constant throbbing was making him dizzy and more irritable. As much as he detested leaving a question unanswered, it would have to wait until he got a few more hours of sleep in. Ed opened his eyes and glanced at the stars overhead. 'Mom, I could really use your advice right now.'

A loud screaming caused Ed to sit up sharply and look around his surroundings. 'What the hell was that?' Now a few muffled sounds were coming from Ed's left, and further glances told him he was near the network of alleyways on the West Side of town.

Ed got off the bench and slowly made his way to the entrance. The muffled noise got louder, and a child's whimper could now be heard. Ed swore darkly and cracked his knuckles.

'Well, there goes my nap,' Ed thought wryly as he crept into the endless darkness. 'Hang on, kid. I'll get you out.'

"Shit! Double Shit! My god damn fucking ass is toast!" Hughes sat perched on a desk (probably Hawkeye's now that he thought about it) watched in quiet amazement as the petite Shayla paced and swore in languages he'd never heard of and… was that Ishbalian?

"Shayla, I can almost see a groove in the floor from where you've been pacing. Maybe you should sit down…" Hughes twitched when met with a livid glance. "Or not."

"Don't you understand! Stanford is coming in here to fry my ass!" She wailed. "I possibly let the Dream Alchemist get away. Just waltz right out the door!" She grabbed her brown hair in frustration and tugged on it. "My alchemic career is over!"

"You know as well as I the military won't let him get rid of you," Hughes said and watched Shayla continue her mindless pacing. "You're the only person who can use alchemy to heal someone, mentally or physically. Getting rid of you is like throwing a fortune of gold in the ocean because you don't want someone to steal it. It's stupid and pointless."

"But this is STANFORD! He already hates me!" She glared at Hughes again. "Why do you think he put me in Mustang's unit? It wasn't for my benefit, that's for sure!" A knock on the door interrupted her tirade.

Shayla froze and turned white. "Oh no!" She hissed. "He probably heard me!"

"Uhhh… Guys? We know you're in there." Shayla raced to the door and threw it open, trapping Havoc in a death grip hug.

"Havoc! It's you and Fury!… Who isn't Stanford!" Havoc stared down at the girl hugging him.

"Uhh… nice to see you too?" He squirmed around in the hug.

Shayla released him after realizing Fury probably didn't appreciate the gesture. "Sorry about that." She winked at Fury's pouting face. "I'm just glad it's you two and not Stanford." He got the message loud and clear and immediately brightened.

"Yeah. We heard you shouting all the way down the hall. What's the matter?" Fury asked.

"Don't worry about it." Hughes grinned. "Shayla's having a midlife crisis."

"But she's only twenty four…" Fury frowned, not getting the joke. Havoc smiled and patted him on the head.

"He was joking, Fury. And it was a terrible one at that." Fury flushed a bit. Shayla and Hughes smirked to themselves.

"Ignore Hughes. He's still miffed at me for interrupting his private time with Gracia." Havoc exchanged a look with Fury.

"Why don't you just tell us everything we missed." So Shayla and Hughes told their individual stories to their audience. By the time they were done, Havoc was patting himself down for a cigarette.

"Shit, you guys. Stanford is gonna murder Shayla." She shot Hughes a 'I told ya so' look. "And where is our Colonel when ya need him?"

"Off pouting," Hughes stated. "Shayla mentioned marriage." Fury winced while Havoc rolled his eyes.

"He's still not over that bitch?" He shook his head in disgust and continued his search for the smoke. "Well, Jessica got what was comin' to her, anyways." The orange eyed woman stared at them all.

"Okay, I want to know who this Jessica girl is." Hughes sighed a bit.

"We can't tell you everything, but basically Roy was engaged to a woman named Jessica."

"I'm just gonna assume it didn't end well since she's not here."

"Roy broke the engagement," Fury said quietly. "He only told Hughes why and no one else."

"And I'm sworn to secrecy," Hughes stated. "So you'll have to ask Roy for the details." Shayla nodded. "I will say don't feel sorry for Jessica. She did deserve it."

"And I never liked her," Havoc growled. "The woman was a damn snake. Mustang just got caught in her spell."

"Well, why didn't you like her, if you don't know what happened?"

Havoc fumed some more and Fury did his best to console the man and explain to Shayla. "I don't know what happened between Jessica and Mustang, but let's just say she didn't get along too well with the rest of the office."

"She even got on Hawkeye's bad side, and so Hawkeye 'accidentally' sent a bullet her way. Roy was pissed." Havoc snickered. "Hawkeye took the tongue thrashing she got like a pro, and everyone else congratulated her when Roy wasn't looking."

"Wow. She must've been a real witch."

"Not witch, bitch," Havoc corrected and grinned in triumph when he pulled his cigarettes from his back pocket. Fury frowned in disapproval but decided the man probably needed one.

"I doubt I'll ask Roy about his ex-fiancé," Shayla smirked to herself, "but I bet Ed might find out something." Hughes glanced at her in interest.

"And what gives you that idea? Roy's pretty stubborn when it comes to sharing information about himself."

"And Ed's stubborn when it comes to prying for information about the Colonel." Shayla shot him a look. "So if anyone can get him to open up, it'll be Ed." 'Get the hint, dumbass!'

"Okay…" He didn't understand what that had been about. 'Open up… Edward… Oh!' Hughes' face split into a grin as he deciphered what Shayla said. "Yeah! I'm sure Ed will get something out of him. The boy's so persistent." Both he and Shayla snickered.

"Yeah, Roy doesn't stand a chance."

"Once he's figured it out, I give him a week to act."

"And Ed?"

Shayla shrugged off the question. "He'll come around. Roy doesn't know what giving up means."

"What will you wear to the main event?"

"I did see this pretty red dress the other day. Would definitely bring out my eyes."

"I'll probably be old fashioned and wear a suit." (4)

Fury once again felt a piece of vital info had flown over the top of his head, leaving him relatively clueless. He watched the seemingly harmless conversation before looking up at Havoc, who currently had retreated to the wall. He just shrugged and took another puff of his smoke.

"I don't get it either, Fury."

"So this is what Colonel Mustang's unit does when there's a killer on the loose." Stanford watched in satisfaction as everyone in the room went into a panic. Hughes, still on Hawkeye's desk, recovered first and jumped off, saluting sharply. Havoc pushed off against the wall and did the same (miraculously losing the cigarette), Fury right behind him. Shayla came in last, whether to spite him or just because she realized she might die, no one knows. "Hmmm… and where is your missing leader?"

"Sir, he's currently at the library looking into some files," Hughes responded.

"Looking into exactly what?"

"Files on Mark Summers."

"Ahh…" Stanford nodded his head in understanding. "I heard you went to the Summer's house recently, Lieutenant Hughes. Mind giving me a full report since the Colonel's busy?" Shayla controlled her scowl. 'Like Hughes has a choice…'

Shayla tuned out while Hughes told the same story he'd given Havoc and Fury, trying to find some excuse that might get her off easy. 'Well, I could tell him Mark had a gun.., no, then he'll ask why he didn't just shot me… Damnit to hell…'

"I asked you a question, Angel Alchemist." Shayla snapped out of her thoughts and met a cold stare. "I expect you to be listening."

"Sorry sir." 'Sorry I can't kick your ass and get away with it…'

"As I was saying, would you give me your version of the story, since you saved Hughes' life." Stanford sneered slightly and waited.

"When I arrived, the lights were out and I made my way up the stairs because of some odd noises. It turned out to be Hughes laughing and some whispering from Mark. I hit Mark on his left forearm with my whip, where his array was located, and disabled him." Shayla hesitated.

"And? That can't be all."

"… He told me Hughes wouldn't last long, and it was either heal him now or otherwise he would die. I… I let Mark go."

"… I see…" Green eyes became thin slits and a deep disapproving frown showed just how the Fuhrer felt about her decision. "Did it ever occur to you the many who might die tonight because you decided to save one man?" Fury turned white at the question, and Havoc swore softly under his breath. "I'm not saying that the Lieutenant is… expendable," He glanced at Hughes, as if just noticing the man was still there, "but both he and you know the risks involved. You both knew there was a chance someone might die." Stanford magnified his glare. "So tell me this Angel Alchemist. Would you go and try and save him if you were on the battle field, and a detonation button was a few feet away, knowing that you could save countless lives if you grabbed the button? Or would you save Hughes, while the enemy takes advantage of your bleeding heart, and most likely kills you all, so that your actions were for not?" Shayla bent her head down. "Look at me when I address you!" Stanford barked.

Shayla brought her head back up, eyes hard as ice and twice as frigid. "Yes, I would try to save Hughes, sir, and do you know why?" She didn't bother to wait for an answer. "I could never live with myself if I didn't know I'd at least tried to save some important to me. If I become hated for it, so be it. And if I die in the process, that's fine too. So if you're asking if I'm sorry about my decision, I'll tell you the truth. No. I'd do the same thing again. And if you don't like it, frankly Fuhrer, I don't give a shit." Hughes bit the inside of his lip to keep from smiling.

'Colorfully put, Shayla.'

Stanford found it less amusing. "You will watch your language, woman." Shayla looked ready for a fist fight at that comment. "Your actions today proved most disappointing, and if not for your expertise with your type of alchemy, I'd send you to some remote part of the world for the rest of your miserable life." Fury stomped on Havoc's shoe to keep him from moving. "But seeing as you are needed, your punishment will not be nearly as fitting. Instead, you are to report directly to me. Not Mustang. You will do exactly as I tell you, or the consequences will be most dire indeed." The Fuhrer smirked at Shayla's growing red face. "So there will be no more healing without my consent, is that clear?"

"…."

"I said, is that clear?"

"… yes sir," Shayla mumbled. Stanford smiled and turned for the door.

"Oh, and Lieutenant Hughes…"

"Yes sir?"

"Do say hello to your wife and daughter for me." Shayla hissed under her breath and brought out her whip just as Stanford left. Hughes made a quick dive and stopped her arm.

"Let me go!" She hissed in rage. "How dare he talk to me like that then bring up your family like you guys are old friends! The stupid fucking dick face!" Hughes growled through his teeth and grabbed both arms.

"I'd rather not see you shot for attacking the Fuhrer, Shayla. I know you're upset, we're all upset. But if you go after him you might as well go shot yourself in the head!" She quickly humbled down in the face of Hughes' anger and relaxed her arms. Hughes let her go. "Good, now just take a few deep breaths and you'll be fine."

"Don't worry about it, Shayla." Havoc himself seemed to recover, the smoke that had disappeared now firmly in his mouth. "The guy's a fuckin prick. Even the Colonel hates his guts."

"Hates who's guts?" Mustang walked in the office to see a slightly hysterical Shayla with Hughes consoling her, along with Fury and Havoc. "What the hell's going on?"

"Oh, you just missed the party, Roy," Hughes stated cheerfully, keeping an eye on Shayla just in case she had another homicidal attack. "The Fuhrer came to visit us. Too bad you weren't here to welcome him."

"Lucky bastard," Havoc mumbled. Roy shot him a look.

"What did he want? Not a report this soon."

"Actually, he came here to bark at Shayla for letting Mark go," Fury stated. Roy stared at Shayla.

"What exactly did he say?"

"Nothing important." Now recovered and much more sane, Shayla attempted a grin. "Just the usual. A few not-so-nice words here and there."

"I consider the word 'shit' a bit worse than a not-so-nice word," Havoc drawled. Roy didn't hide his shock.

"You called him a shit?"

"No, I said I don't give a shit." Roy rubbed his temples.

"First Ed and now this. My day just can't get any better, can it?" At the mention of Ed's name, Shayla glanced behind the Colonel in search of him.

"Where's Ed? I was sure he went after you…"

"He did…" Roy's expression went guilty. "And it didn't end in the best of ways…"

"What did you do to him?" Shayla snapped. "Never mind, don't tell me 'cause I might kill you." Roy didn't doubt that statement. "Just go find him and apologize."

"What do you think I'm doing here? I thought he might have come back to headquarters."

"Ed's not here, Roy." Hughes saw the saddened appearance on Roy's face. He must have done something really stupid… "Maybe he went by my house to camp out. I'll call Gracia real quick." Hughes went inside the Colonel's office.

"Sir, where have you been all afternoon?" Hawkeye came walking, wielding her gun and a dangerous aura surrounding her. Everyone took a healthy step back. "We've got some new information on Mark Summers." Roy looked at his First Lieutenant.

"Well?"

"He's been found dead, sir."

The news shell shocked everyone in the room, but Hawkeye wasn't finished. "There's more. According to some witnesses, they saw Mark with a little boy, walking into an alley and then the boy walking out alone. I sent some officials to go to the boy's house and tell the parents." Hawkeye took a deep breath. "Both the parents were found dead. The father stabbed in his sleep, and the mother repeatedly hit with a blunt object. A toy fire truck, I think." A grim silence filled the room.

"So, Mark wasn't the Dream Alchemist?" Shayla remarked, trying to digest all the new information. "Then who is?"

"I don't know, but he might have been Mark at one time…"

"What are you saying, sir?"

"I don't like how this fits…" Roy muttered to himself more than anyone else. "A series of murders, most alchemists, but otherwise no connection. There's something we're not getting."

"I have a question. Hawkeye, who found the body?" Shayla directed her attention to Hawkeye.

"The witnesses. They called the police soon after they found the body."

"And what happened to Mark? How did he die?"

"It's probably from the multiple wounds you and Hughes gave him, but his eyes had been blown out." Roy's head shot up and he glared at Hawkeye.

"That's important information, Hawkeye!"

"Sorry sir." She didn't sound that sorry.

"Did you ever find the little boy?" Shayla averted Hawkeye's attention.

"No, just the parents. The boy was no where to be found."

"And I have a feeling when you do find him he'll be dead as well, with his eyes dripping out of his sockets." Havoc, who had been quiet for a while, piped in.

"And why do you say that, Colonel?"

"If you look at all the past murders, you find that most of the victims are single. In fact, I think Mark was the first alchemist in this case that was married. And Angela was killed. Now a little boy comes in contact with Mark, and the kid's parents are found dead. This isn't some coincidence."

"So our Dream Alchemist is purposely picking off the single people?" Havoc didn't sound too convinced.

"Now that I think about it, there was something else," Shayla said slowly. "Many people that had seen the victims last told me a lot of them were acting strange. Some were talking to themselves, like there was someone there with them."

"And the witnesses who saw the boy stated when he walked out of the alley, his lips were moving rapidly, like he was deep in conversation." Hawkeye nodded at Shayla. "It didn't seem important at the time, but if others were talking to themselves…"

"And I have a feeling that if we asked Hughes he'll tell us Mark talked to himself a lot." Roy remarked.

"But what does it all mean?" Shayla asked, slightly frustrated with the lack of results. "Is some serial killer swapping bodies?" Everyone looked at her. "… Are you guys serious?"

Roy turned to Hawkeye. "I want you to do a check in the National Library. Look around in the past medical books for a mental epidemic that might have happened to only to alchemists." Hawkeye nodded sharply and saluted quickly before leaving to her duty.

"You don't really think our killer can switch bodies, do your Colonel?" Fury asked the question on everyone's mind.

"I don't know Fury, but not long ago I didn't think you could heal anyone with alchemy, either." Everyone looked at Shayla again.

"Okay, I guess it is possible," Shayla said quietly, "but we still don't know for sure. It seems farfetched to me, but more plausible than a mental epidemic. What I do know is that the Dream Alchemist is still out there, and if he is body hopping, a little boy isn't the most suitable of hosts."

"It would also make sense that he would use single alchemists. Better than having to copy someone's personality to convince someone who you are."

"Then what happens to the victims? Their subconscious? Or does he just leave the empty body for us to find?" Fury asked.

"You guys, we still don't know for sure if that's what our guy does," Havoc warned. "But if he can… shit, he can become anyone."

"Roy," Hughes came rushing back in, "I just called Gracia. Ed's not there."

"That means Ed's still outside." Shayla's eyes widened. "Oh shit!"

Roy stared at her. "What it is?" He didn't like the panic in her voice, especially if it dealt with Ed.

"Ed's out there!"

"Your point? He can take care of himself."

"You dumbass! He's an alchemist! And he's single! What did you just get done saying?"

Roy's eyes widened in horror.

'Edward…'

The punch sent the man flying into the wall, a satisfying crack echoing in the dead of night. Ed was quite pleased with himself. Not only was he beating the snot out of some freakin pedophile, but his headache was gone. He breathed in the night air. 'Yep, fighting does wonders to clear the senses.' He cackled to himself and surveyed his handiwork.

Well, from the looks of things, the man wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. A little spot of blood was on the wall his head had connected with, and he moaned softly in pain. 'I hope he has the mother of all headaches when he wakes up,' Ed thought.

Now feeling better, Ed looked around for the small child. When he had entered the alleyway, he'd seen the burly guy hovering over a boy of about nine or ten, muttering some idiocy about money for drinks. The guy was obviously drunk as hell, and decided to take it out on the boy.

That in itself annoyed the shit out of Ed, and he proceeded to give the guy a ass whoopin', Fullmetal style. A painfully easy fight, but somewhere in between Ed had lost track of the boy. 'He probably already escaped…' Ed shrugged to himself and made his way back to the street, whistling some stupid tune. 'I guess if he left, he was fine.'

A shuffling averted Ed's attention behind him, but he dismissed it. Probably the drunk, and he was relatively harmless

The first shot got Ed right in his right thigh, forcing him forward and making him land on his hands and knees. He choked back a scream and maneuvered himself so he had his back against the wall, making himself a smaller target and his right metal arm facing his attacker.

Whoever shooting at him had done their homework, and ran to the other side to get a clear shot at Ed's chest. And Ed didn't move fast enough.

The second shot got him right below his left lung, and Ed knew he was in serious trouble. Because of his previous fight, he'd already had his blood pumping, and now the blood was pumping right out of him at an alarming rate, staining the ground. He struggled to get on his feet.

"If you move or clap your hands, I will shot them and your knee caps. And trust me, I've got dead aim." A child's voice fell on Ed's ears, and he looked up in shock at a young boy, probably the same one he'd tried to save, with a gun in his hand.

"What… the fuck?"

"Now now, Mr. Elric. Your language." The boy moved closer until Ed could see the smirk on is face. "You'll hurt my poor virgin ears."

"J-just how the hell are you?" Ed asked, teeth clenched in rage and pain.

The boy waved off the question with his free hand. "It's far from important, Mr. Elric. We need to get started. Knowing that bitch and Mr. Hughes, they might have come a bit closer to the truth." He smiled wickedly. "But by the time I'm done with you, it won't make a bit of difference. I'll have my revenge on the fuckers."

"W-what?" It was getting hard for Ed to concentrate on the boy with all the pain in the way. "I don't know what you're talkin' about kid, but if you expect me to just sit here and let you shoot me to pieces, you've got another thing coming." The boy laughed at the statement.

"My, you are feisty, Mr. Elric." His eyed Ed hungrily. "That's what I like about you. You're perfect for my plan. I'll be sure to put your alchemic powers to good use." Ed's eyes widened, then narrowed.

"And what makes you think I'll do what you say?"

"Trust me, Mr. Elric. You won't have much of a say in the matter." The boy laughed again, enjoying his own little joke before eying Ed again. "I'll need to keep you immobile for a while so…" Quicker than Ed thought a child could move, the boy was at Ed's right side and flipped a little lever, taking of Ed's metal arm. (5) Ed cried out in surprise and pain, having his arm removed more painful than the bullet wounds. The boy smirked in triumph. "That's much better. You can't do any alchemy now, so just sit tight and enjoy the show."

The boy left with Ed's hand and made his way over to the drunk Ed had knocked out a moment ago. He knelt by the body and despite his anger and agony, Ed felt his eyes being drawn to him.

Laying the metal arm gently down beside him, the little boy took his hand and started drawing in the air, right above the guy's head.. Ed had no idea what; it was either too dark or the kid was playing with him.

"Now, I would do this to you, Mr. Elric, but your soul is much too strong at the moment," the boy stated. "And I don't want to shoot you anymore times than necessary. Plus, I do tire of this boy's body. So just give me a quick minute." Ed watched in disturbed fascination as the kid repeated whatever he was doing to his own forehead, then place his head near the drunk's.

The air shifted rapidly toward the two, and Ed looked around in alarm, ignoring the pain in his thigh and chest. Not that he could do much if something came at him. Without his arm, he was a sitting duck.

The boy was mumbling something incoherent, his head starting to shake rapidly. The air moved much faster than before, and Ed realized the boy, whatever he was doing, was the cause of the odd air current. The mumbling turned into a low moaning sound, and Ed did see something then. A flash of light right between the two heads, so bright it caused Edward to wince, followed by and odd choking noise and a squishing sound as well.

The air flowed in the opposite direction in a hurry, almost knocking Ed over with it's force. He looked back over to the boy, trying to see what had happened.

The boy laid on top of the drunk, not moving at all. But the body below his started to shift, until it gradually moved the boy off of itself and stood up. The drunk stretched out his limbs, all the while keeping an eye on Ed.

"Well, Mr. Elric. Now that that's over, I suggest we get down to business." Ed's eyes widened to impossible limits. The way this guy talked… it reminded him of the boy… What the hell was going on?

"I can see you're still confused, so maybe this will help you." The drunk easily lifted the now limp body of the boy in his arms, carrying him all the way to where Edward sat. "Take a good look at his eyes."

Ed glared fiercely, not wanted to do what he'd been told, but unable to keep his curiosity in check. He glanced at the boy's face and bit off a scream.

'Oh god! His eyes!'

Bits of brunt eyeball hung limply over the sides of the socket, much of it slightly liquefied and running down the boy's pale face. A shudder of fear ran up Ed's spine as he remembered what Roy had told him.

"The eyes appeared to have exploded… from the inside out, if I'm not mistaken."

Ed was in deep shit.

"Now that you fully understand the situation you're in, Fullmetal Alchemist, shall we continue?"

(1) Aww… we all know you wouldn't have him any other way, Ed!

(2) How many people are dying to know what really happened between Jessica and Roy? (sees raised hands) Well… Can't tell ya yet :p (dodges flame throwers and retreats to fire proof shack)

(3) Just a side note, I want everyone to realize Roy is not in love with Ed yet. When I talked about him pushing Ed away, he didn't want any feelings for him, lust or love. But now he cares about him, maybe even the first signs of love are showing, but denial's a nasty bitch, so be patient. You'll get your Ed/Roy lovin'!

(4) Okay, who got that whole conversation?

(5) I don't know how Ed's arm comes off. Usually I see it ripped off…

Roy- Oh, the Plushie Bandit is currently in hiding in some secret location, so I'll be doing the shout outs today. And she apologizes in advance for all the rude comments I'll most certainly make.

catey- Why do you always want Ed? What about me? I'm much better than that shortie! And Bandit doesn't give a crap about you being happy if she updates… but thank you for the review

Neekah- She'll do a cliffy whenever she wants. Stop complaining. It's not like she cares about you.

diamondprincess2006- you didn't see it coming? Well, that says a lot for your intellectual level. (smirks evilly) And Bandit deserved the flame, so don't try and cheer her up. She'll write faster and torture me longer if you do.

Torii- Who cares about Hughes? Sure, he's got the loving wife… and kid… and won't leave me alone for two seconds because I'm single… (growls in frustration) You want to see Fury and Havoc fluff? You won't be getting it in this chapter…

Uniasus- Another Ed worshipper. You people disgust me. Am I not cute enough or something? Look at this body! (rips off shirt) Still like Ed?

Seeker Carter- Yes, the idiot of a writer actually came up with a character. Joy. Not that there aren't enough females in FMA anyways. And none in mini skirts… damn. And shame on you for not seeing all the episodes… even if Bandit hasn't either.

LegacyRBluesummers- You, I will be nice to, because you're the only one who understands my needs. (takes chocolate and Ed and goes off somewhere for some kinky fun) :p

Roy- Now, if you want to contact the authoress, you can drop a review or… (points to the fire proof shack) go visit her at her secret hide away. I'm sure she'd love you guys to come over for tea and cookies. (smirks) And don't worry. That shack is not fire proof. I checked. And for some odd reason she still wants to apologize for my behavior with the shout outs…

Ed- But before you go off and kill her for hurting me, drop a review! The faster Bandit writes, the faster I get my lemon! Ja ne!