If I actually bothered to go to the trouble of naming my chapters, I'd call this one 'The Never-ending Slog.' Just because it was rather difficult to finish and seemed to have a life of its own. ;) Still, I blame it on the writer's block!

Thank you so much for all the reviews; they're a real boost to my motivation. I probably wouldn't be able to finish any of these chapters without them.

Enjoy this chapter! I tried adding a lot more description and plot, hope it worked well…

Thursday Mornings Are Always The Worst.

Enchanting the dormitory ceiling with their graceful, delicate touch, shadows had ensnared the interest of a young admirer. They danced in an unrelenting array of impressive and impossible waltzes, striving to maintain their watcher's attention. He lay on his back, entangled in thoughts of what has passed and what has still yet to come. This was not the first time he'd found himself staring wistfully at the silhouettes created by their tall, spindly owners, which were presently being blown ever so lightly by a gentle evening breeze.

Just watching them now, allowed Ed to forget his anxiety and fears. It allowed him to unfurl his emotions and reside to the inner chambers of his tormented mind. Although Ed didn't always enjoy this, he was almost certain it was a necessary escape that he needed every now and again.

This particular Wednesday night had been an incredibly cold one, which was expected with it being winter and all. The following morning would also be freezing, bitterly freezing. Ed groaned in despair at this fact. Tomorrow was going to be a difficult day in general, and it was all thanks to one man. Not only was he forced to attend some class for crazy, demented people who were buried beneath mountains of stress, but also he had to endure two grueling hours in a car with Him.

Ed turned to his side, retracting his gaze from the acrobatic shadows. He could only begin to imagine what horrors awaited him in those car journeys. Past experience led Ed to believe most of them would end up with him inflicting pain upon the smug colonel, which sounded highly possible. He couldn't understand why he was forbidden from taking a public bus. After all it would have made everyone's lives a lot easier. But Mustang gets what Mustang wants. That was a common fact, which was hardly ever taken for granted.

Curling deeper into his covers for warmth, Ed contemplated possible excuses for avoiding tomorrow completely. "Nah, its impossible…" he whispered to himself. There was a soft clank from the opposite side of the room, which Ed assumed was Al stirring. Al's presence had briefly escaped his mind, tossed in the pile of forgotten and declined thoughts. Ed felt guilty; forgetting his brother felt like a sin, and a severe one at that. He and Al were tied together for eternity, he'd promised his younger brother that as their house diminished to a pile of burning ash.

He'd felt more guilt towards his brother recently, a lot more than normal. Keeping secrets from Al pulled vigorously on Ed's heartstrings. He was supposed to be his brother, he was supposed to trust him with anything, confront him with problems, be there for him when no-one else was and to simply love him. Ed felt he failed greatly in several areas as a brother.

Right now, he kept several secrets from his brother. Each one of them sent a grievous splinter of guilt to the pit of his stomach. He wanted to tell Al everything, he really did, but the looming shadow of doubt prevented him. And he was forced to conceal them beneath a faked grin or a silly remark.

Although Al had his soul bound to a suit of armor, he still was a very sensitive, sincere person inside, somewhat more than any normal human. Ed had carved that into the rusty carapace of his mind, with a cast iron hammer. A brutal reminder of the promises he'd made, and the responsibilities he'd accepted. "One day I'll tell you, Al. It's a promise." Ed felt the intense glare of his brother burning through his back, and pretended to suddenly fall asleep until he'd removed his gaze. Soon enough Ed heard the reassuring, metallic grind as his brother turned his back. He must have fallen asleep, that's if he did sleep. The older of the two brothers could never quite figure that one out.

Ed yawned, his body pleading for sleep. He allowed his eyelids to droop lightly and his thoughts to wander freely. Tomorrow would undoubtedly be a difficult day, but Ed would take it in his stride. There was nothing he couldn't handle, even Roy Mustang.

Before sleep embraced him into it's comforting sanctuary, the troubled blonde dug deep into his pockets, his fingers clasping a cold rounded object. Ed's eyes flickered a little upon feeling a slight tingle of power shoot up his auto mail arm. He sighed; there was another problem that needed addressing… but not now. Sleep overwhelming him; he drifted off into an uneasy slumber.

Smiling, was he smiling? Ed squinted, trying to gain a better view of the man standing outside what appeared to be a standard military car.

Ah no, it was a smirk, of course. A smirk filled with vicious enthusiasm. Ed knew this particular smirk well; it was one of the worst. He could already sense the Colonel's mocking intent, ready to pounce at any time. Ed shuddered as a blistering wind tore past, tangling his blond bangs together in a great mess. He should have dressed warmer, it was even colder then he had first expected.

Roy Mustang tapped his foot impatiently, smirk in place and already working. He could see the look of intimidation pulsating from his lover's eyes. Perfect.

"Good morning, Fullmetal." He said simply, watching his target get into the car without even glancing towards the Colonel's direction.

Silent treatment. Fair enough, he could get around that. No problem.

"Sit in the front, where I can see you." He said, disappointed by Ed's choice. The muted blonde didn't move, his head downcast. Mustang thought quickly, searching for the appropriate comment to trigger a certain person's temper.

"Suit yourself. Just don't get lost in there, it's so very big."

Ed twitched, his fist clenching in annoyance. "What are you implying?" he hissed, venom shimmering in his golden eyes.

"Why, I'm not implying anything. I just remember losing a few of my smaller objects in there a short while ago. It's such a shame; I bet there's a miniature museum back there. There's a shortage on those these days, you know?" He'd successfully laid his trap. Everything was in place. And just like a chemical reaction, Ed sizzled for a short while, steam ascending, veins popping. He promptly threw himself into the front seat, seizing the nearest part of Mustang he could find, which just happened to be a gloved hand.

"Easy there, Ed. We don't want things to warm up just yet." Mustang purred soothingly, gripping the auto mail hand before it could cause any damage.

"Colonel bastard!" Ed yelled, attempting to free his arm. Unfortunately his torturer had a vice-like grip and wasn't about to let go easily.

"Now if you keep calling me nasty names likes that, I'm afraid I might find it rather difficult to let go at all."

Beyond rage, Ed was forced to take desperate measures. He took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. With his remaining free hand, he very slowly brushed a slender finger down the Colonel's leg. His were eyes flashing seductively, enticing his opponent over the line.

Shocked. That was the only word he can find to fit his reaction. Not in a bad way either. He hadn't expected it to be this easy! Fullmetal usually put such a stubborn fight, and he usually gave up towards the end. However this time, he'd got exactly what he wanted in seconds.

"You're such a good boy, Fullmetal." Mustang sneered, removing his other hand from the steering wheel to capture Ed's.

"Sir, I don't mean to be rude, but are you planning on blocking the exit all day?"

No, not now.

"Colonel?"

We've come too far to turn back now…

"Are you alright, Sir?"

Hawkeye narrowed her stare, raising her arm to bring it across the dumbstruck Colonel's face. It wasn't very respectful to hit a superior officer, but Roy obviously needed it.

"Ergh! Ed why did you-?" he whined, looking towards the sulking blonde, who now sat in the opposite seat, arms across chest with an innocent look upon his face. Turning around he found himself confronted with a piercing pair of angry scarlet eyes. She was not impressed, at all.

"Ah Hawkeye, yes. We were just on our way now." He said, trying his hardest to remain calm. He felt a faint twinge on his face, where she had hit him, although he hadn't realized that.

"Oh really?" she returned, sounding not the slightest bit convinced. Why the Colonel and Fullmetal were so close together, she had no idea. Her main concern was clearing the roadblock and the long line of traffic forming behind it. "Good to hear, better get going, Sir." Mustang squinted in the rear view mirror. Astonished, he quickly slammed his foot down, while Ed held on for dear life. Hawkeye merely sighed, reflecting on certain man's clumsiness.

For the remainder of the journey they both kept deathly quiet. Neither wanting to resurrect the brutally murdered conversation. Occasionally one would sneak a glance over at the other, expecting some sort of response. None came.

As they pulled up onto the drive of a rather spectacular looking building, Ed held his breath in pure amazement, absorbing the full intensity of the breathtaking structure that lay ahead of them. A historian's paradise; ancient stone carvings lingered above every possible opening. Most of them being some sort of mythical beast with its wings spread, talons sharpened or fangs bared.

Even the Colonel paused for a brief moment, clearly impressed by the sheer grandness of building. He abruptly pulled the car to a sharp stop and waited silently for his passenger to exit. Pretending to focus on the intricate stone etchings and the looming pillars, Mustang failed to notice Ed's sudden jolt of enthusiasm.

The sooner he was away from that man, the better. The young alchemist thought to himself, slamming the door behind him. Was the battle lost? Did he need to wait a full day before he could spread a deep blush across a certain blonde's face? He thought not.

"Fullmetal, come here. You forgot something very important." He said, fully rolling down his window. Ed blinked and warily approached the open window. Mustang's smirk grew wider as the unsuspecting victim arrived in front of him, eyes narrowed.

"What did you want?"

"Just this."

It was over quickly, possibly too fast for Mustang's liking, but he'd got the desired result. Ed's face had turned a shocking shade of red, putting all other bright objects to shame. He'd just been 'pecked' lightly on the lips. Nothing major just a small teasing of contact between the two of them. Mustang snickered delightedly, beginning to roll his window up again.

"I'll be back here tonight to collect you. Don't be late." He said with an impetuous kink in his voice. Ed stormed off towards the building entrance, hidden beneath the safety of his bangs. He wanted to conceal his blush at all costs. In the distance he could hear the frantic tyre screeching as Mustang sped off in the opposite direction.

Upon entering the building, Ed found himself in the centre of a typical modern day office. Several military workers sat behind desks, immersed in their work, their fingers nimbly darting across the keys. These guys seemed a lot more energetic than Mustang's bunch.

"Hey… do you know where I can find Dr. CP's office, please?" Ed asked gingerly addressing a young secretary. He had a few problems when it came to dealing with secretaries, especially inhuman ones.

"Ah yes. Just follow the long corridor until you hit a bend and then turn left, his office is just there." She replied brightly, searching for her questioner. Her eyes widening in shocked as they fell upon the pint-sized alchemist.

"Thanks." Ed muttered, retreating down the long corridor before his size was commented on. So he was small, that didn't make him an invalid, right?

This was obviously another military establishment, the navy blue flags which flowed smoothly against the walls where clear signs of that.

After a while of mindless venturing Ed began to understand the name of the 'long' corridor, literally. He sighed; today was going to be an awfully long day.

"Alright everybody, I want everyone to give a warm welcome to our newest member, Mr. Elric. Welcome!"

Dr. CP – Calvin Poweh, spelt with a 'h,' was just the sort of person Ed despised. Ever cheery, optimistic, hyperactive and above all else absolutely fake. His class on the other hand, seemed like the complete opposite. There were a small number of them gathered around in a neat semi-circle. Most of them clad in the military uniform with a fraught look printed across their face. However, two stood out. The first being a middle-aged man, who found it difficult to stay still and remain calm. He frantically fidgeted around in his seat, nibbling on his nails madly.

The second was a boy of Ed's height, possibly smaller. This made Ed grin; he wasn't the smallest for once! However the striking purple eyes beneath the mass of black hair soon changed the expression to a frown.

Wrath.

What was he doing here? (Of all places.) He stared at Ed now, hatred igniting in his amethyst eyes. Ed returned the gaze, shrinking all of a sudden. Had Sloth sent him to spy? Or perhaps they had plotted something together, and were waiting for the opportune moment - Ed only wished he knew. Wrath's uniform looked odd against the boy's ivory skin, not really belonging to him. Without a doubt he was the strangest looking of the bunch. His otherworldly qualities enshrouded in a not-so convincing disguise.

"Do take a seat, Mr. Elric. The sooner we get started the better!" Dr. CP shouted, bouncing energetically on the spot. Ed sat down in the nearest seat, maintaining his eye contact with Wrath. If it was staring content he wanted it was a staring contest he got!

Many muffled whispers reverberated against the walls. People seemed to be familiar with Ed's name, although they knew him better as 'The Fullmetal Alchemist.'

"Now settle down everybody, we have much work to do today! Any tantrums and away to the chill out corner you go! Got it?" Dr CP said, referring to a corner dominated by 'feel good' posters. Ed disliked the look of that corner, and hoped he wouldn't end up in it.

Much to Ed's dismay he ended up in the 'chill out' corner several times throughout the day. He'd either scraped with Wrath or reacted angrily to remarks concerning his height. The fidgety man from before was also a regular visitor. He sat opposite Ed, holding his knees protectively while muttering incoherent drabble. The others called him "Twitcher" and it wasn't too difficult to figure out why. Ed wondered if even the man himself knew his real name.

Dr. CP had the rest of class attempting to dance in joy; unfortunately it looked more like rigorous flips of misery. He had to give the man credit for trying. Although he felt he'd been left in a nursery while watching them.

"Stupid Colonel bastard, leaving me in here… Ow!" Ed said, rubbing the side of his head angrily. A half-eaten pen rolled across the floor, quickly followed by Twitcher retrieving his property. He didn't give Ed a second glance.

"What did you do that for!" Ed snarled towards the deranged man.

"…y-you have it- there with you –right now."

Ed was puzzled, he'd barely managed to decipher the slurred words and now he didn't understand what they meant.

"Huh?"

"There! In your pocket! You have it – itssssssss there!" he shrieked hysterically, drawing the full attention of the whole room. The doctor was the first to stride over, still full of cheer.

"Now now, what's going on here? Are you causing trouble again, Mr Elric? You need to control your temper, unlock your happiness and cherish your friends."

"No, I need to leave." Ed answered back, rising to his feet.

"You can't give up now! Your journey has only just begun!" Dr. CP was in super-powered mode now- there was no stopping him.

"Well, I'm afraid my incredible journey is drawing to a close. Thanks for your help. I'll be leaving now. Goodbye." And without another word, Ed bolted into the long corridor, his legs carrying him as fast as they could. Twitcher hissed uncontrollably while the Doctor came racing after him.

Ed pelted down the endless gallery of flags and statues. He could see the faint light of the doorway beaming in the far distance. If he could just make it out of the building, he'd feel a hell of a lot better. His legs grew tired quickly; he hadn't fully recovered from the flu he'd suffered from the week before and was struggling to maintain his speed.

Almost there…

Ed could feel the stamina rapidly draining from his body, all of his energy wasting away. The persistent doctor still sped on behind. He seemed to have a stream of unlimited energy, not even sweating as he pursued Ed.

Finally reaching the exit, the exhausted alchemist violently crashed through the twin doors, his red cloak becoming caught on a jagged sculpture. Ed strained to get free. It had been raining again and the flooring was slippery, which didn't make the situation any easier.

The Doctor had spotted his chance; his prisoner was trapped and ripe for catching. Nothing could break his spirit, not even a troublesome client.

"Alright, Mr Elric. You've had you're fun – time to give it a rest." He said calmly, faking a friendly smile.

Ed flinched, balancing his full weight against his cloak in desperate attempt to break free. As much as he loved the cloak, he'd gladly sacrifice for his own freedom. Anything to get away from the irritating optimism of the Doctor was worth it.

A faint ripping sound could be heard as the material finally tore apart, releasing its panic-stricken owner. Ed stumbled out into bitter weather once again, falling over in the process. He leapt up immediately, determined to break free of the asylum's loathsome clutch.

Already he hated it far more than Mustang's office and that was saying something. He continued to run skidding, sliding and slipping across the glacial mirrors covering the once smooth concrete.

Doctor. CP had pulled himself to an abrupt stop, his fear of falling holding him firmly in place. Disappointed, he watched his tenacious client slowly descend into darkness, fading into the sapphire twilight of the night. He bowed his head in contemplation.

This one had escaped… but he certainly would be returning, no doubt about that…

Why was it always freezing? No matter where Ed went at no matter time of day it was well and truly freezing! He walked at a staggered pace to the nearest town, which happened to be a few miles from the crazy asylum. Not near enough in Ed's opinion, although it was secluded for a good reason.

Raindrops plummeted down in ferocious waves, drenching every inch of the wandering alchemist. Only now had he begin to regret his impulsive actions. He only needed to endure a few more hours at that place. He'd been through much worse, and yet he couldn't handle the company of an overenthusiastic man and his clan of demented followers. Ed quickened his pace. He was not going soft, no way. Shaking his head in denial, Ed paused and stared off into the distance.

Nestled snugly in-between the jagged spine of a mountain range, Ed could vaguely make out the beginnings of a small town. It didn't look too far; he could be sheltered from the relentless wind and rain soon enough. The thought alone was enough to keep him moving, pursuing his goal.

His plan was a simple, thrown together idea. He wasn't too fond of it himself, but it was the last the remaining choice he had. Calling the Colonel for help wouldn't be easy; he was trying to avoid that man at the moment. He was the one responsible for him being in this mess, wasn't he?

Maybe Hawkeye would come instead. Yes, that would be a relief. Ed wasn't in the mood for the Colonel's sarcasm and mockery. He'd probably start attacking the arrogant bastard then end up in an embarrassing position. That's what usually happened. His emotions towards that individual were mixed. Very mixed…

Sometimes he was like a guardian angel… a loyal protector and lover who he felt entirely safe with. The rare intimate moments they'd spent together, lips sealed, arms entangled and minds enthralled with the sweet intoxication of passion had been surprisingly captivating. Ed almost longed for one of those moments as he trudged on through the storm.

But…

He could also be an annoying, merciless torturer, who found amusement in watching his blonde lover squirm. Too often had he fled from that man, with his face shadowed in crimson shame. Ed growled remembering Mustang's mischievous peck earlier on, that had really annoyed him and Mustang knew it.

The rhythmical clatter of wood reverberated against Ed's boots, as he walked along a small bridge, which led off to the village. Surprised, Ed was wrenched from his deep musings to stare, overjoyed, at the small utopia before him.

Tall, striking houses outlined the borders of the town, most likely occupied by rich merchants or businessmen. Towards the inner shell of the village, more modest buildings huddled around an impressive structure. The town hall, Ed suspected, although he couldn't make it out clearly through the crystallized shroud of rain and mist.

He quickly glanced around, searching for a phone box of some sort. Spotting a unoccupied booth, Ed rushed over to it, oblivious of the pair of sharp eyes trained on him.

"Hello? Colonel Mustang speaking." Said Mustang from the other line, sounding more serious that usual

Damn!

Fate could be so cruel at the worst of times…

"Uhm… hey, its me… I-." Ed started nervously, being cut off before he'd barely started.

"Fullmetal? What a pleasant surprise… couldn't go the whole day without me, huh?" Mustang's tone changed instantly into its usual mocking self.

"Grrr, no! I need your help!"

"Aw, too bad."

"Don't screw around!" the phone booth wasn't the slightest bit warmer than outside. In fact the only relief it actually provided was shelter from the rain. Ed's mood was slowly worsening.

"Heh, alright… what's wrong? You're sounding a bit distressed… wait- shouldn't you still be in class?" Mustang's tone changed once again, this time with a more urgent ring about it.

"I walked out."

"Bad decision, Ed. They sent you there for your own good."

"Yeah right – that place is full of lunatics. I couldn't stand another minute in there!"

Roy Mustang sank deeper into the comfort of his chair, worry becoming apparent in his face.

"You're going back whether you like it or not, Edward. Where are you right now?" The line silenced, and Mustang's concern grew rapidly. "Damnit Ed, answer me!"

The thoroughly fed up alchemist allowed himself to slide down the phone booth walls, curling up into the corner as he hit the ground. He didn't want to be recaptured after just risking life and limb escaping. Sighing, Ed carefully began planning a compromise.

"I'll tell you if you promise not to make me go back."

"You know I can't do that, Ed. You need those sessions, believe it or not."

Ed hugged his knees for warmth balancing the receiver on his shoulder. He felt sick, freezing, exhausted and incredibly annoyed. On the verge of hanging up, he lent his head against the misty panes of glass. Serpents of water frantically cascading down the steamed up panes, desperate to find their path.

"Look, Ed. Tell me where you are. We'll go back together and sort things out. You'll get nowhere being stubborn." Growing increasingly anxious for a certain blonde's safety, Mustang strived to compromise with his stressed lover. He was responded with an unconvinced murmur, much to his annoyance. Out of ideas, he finally surrendered.

"Ed… you don't have to go back, alright? Just tell me where you are."

"Well, I'm- I…" Ed stopped short, realising he didn't even know the name of the place. There had been no signs when he first entered; the town itself seemed like a desolate wasteland. Signs of life seemed scarce. He remembered seeing very few people roaming around before he'd entered the booth. "I don't actually know."

Mustang's fist banged his desk, knocking a pile of unfinished paper off the side.

"Not good! Remember how you got there?"

Ed pondered carefully, trying to recollect the route and describe his surroundings. Everything had been so vague and mysterious, misted over in a layer uncertainty.

He described everything to Mustang, commenting on strange houses and the bizarre lack of people.

The Colonel stiffened in his seat, after listening. Saying nothing for a few moments, he froze in whirling pools of heightening anxiety.

"Okay. Stay where you are. Under no circumstances move, I'll be there as soon as possible." Mustang said, before dropping the phone and running to the nearest mode of transport.

Ed dropped the receiver, swallowing a fear-stricken gulp.

Just where exactly was he?

Finally finished!

Reviews are more than welcome, I love reading through them. ;)

The next chapter may be a little later than usual, as I've got a hell of a lot of art coursework to do. (grumble) There's only 8 places on my college course and I really want one! So, guess I have to work….

Nerevaire