Roy/Ed 45 Themes

Library

----------

Edward Elric sat hunched over a large dusty book in Central's library. He was supposed to be doing research on an ancient technique used by alchemists. A technique which the military wanted more information on. A task that fell on Ed's shoulders, thanks to his reputation at the library. Now it wasn't that Ed didn't enjoy the research, Ed loved devouring new books on a daily basis, it had more fallen to the fact that it was hot summer evening. A very hot summer evening in which Ed would have liked to have been anywhere but the hot library.

The dark library with its rows of old books did not help Ed's mood. Wiping sweat from his forehead, Ed turned the page hoping he would soon find enough information to satisfy the military's curiosity. Hi hand was cramped from writing, and even without his coat on, he still felt the heat. Just as Ed was ready to give up and throw the book out the window, he heard a noise coming from a bookshelf four rows away.

"Damn," the person cursed.

Later Ed decided that he could blame the heat for his next actions. Curiosity took over and led Ed down the rows of books. Wanting to know who, other than himself, was crazy enough to venture in the hot library.

"Do you need some help," Ed asked, as he turned down the shelves of books.

"Fullmetal?" Came the questioning voice.

"Mustang," Ed stumbled out. "What are you doing here?"

Roy, to say the least, was surprised at the sight of Edward standing in front of him. Very surprised to see the boy coat and gloveless. Roy didn't think anyone was crazy enough to be in the Library on a hot day like today. If he didn't absolutely need that book, he would not be here himself.

"Well, Fullmetal what a surprise," Roy said regaining his composure. "Unlike some people I have work to do." He added to answer Ed's question.

"What are you saying, that I don't work! You bastard!" Ed spat out, flaying his arms out in angry.

The heat Ed had endured from the library and the sudden movement of his aggression, caused Ed to become light headed and dizzy. Trying to gain his balance, he stumbled slightly in Roy's direction. Roy acting quickly grabbed the boys shoulders to keep him upright.

"Fullmetal," Roy asked, concern lacing his voice.

"I... I just need to sit is all, damn heat," Ed answered.

Roy helped Ed to a nearby table, where he sat catching his breath. "You of all people I would have thought smart enough to not study in such insufferable heat."

"I wasn't studying, for your information. I was doing research for the military," Ed spat back. "Besides, what are you doing here."

"I am merely looking for a book to take back home to read. My air conditioned home," Roy added rather smugly.

"Whatever," Ed said, running a hand across his forehead.

"Are you all right," Roy asked.

"What do you care," Ed said rising from the seat, then immediately clutched the table for support.

"Against common belief, I do have a heart Edward."

"What did you say?" Ed asked, looking slightly put off.

"I said against common belief..."

"No after that," Ed said cutting him off. "You said my name, you called me Edward."

Roy was shocked, had he slipped and called him by his first name. "You know I don't mind people calling me Edward," Ed said interrupting his thoughts. "I do however prefer my close friends to call me Ed."

Roy smirked at the teen before giving him a genuine smile, not his usual fake plastered on military smile. He sat down beside Ed, and placed a hand on top of his. "Well if that is the case Ed, I prefer my close friends to call me Roy, not bastard."

Red tinged Ed's cheeks at this statement, and he decided to quickly change the subject. "What book were you looking for?"

"I was looking for The Alchemy Formulas of Sir Welton Sr., but it seems someone has already checked it out. Apparently asking the librarians to hold a book is like asking you to actually do work."

"Hey," Ed argued, but only half heartily. He then gave Roy a big smile, "come here." Taking Roy's hand he lead the man back to the row of books, and stopped in front of where Roy's book should have been. Leaning down to the bottom shelf he pushed a large stack of books to the side. Behind these books Ed pulled out two small books.

"I was going to check these out soon, and didn't want anyone to get them." He handed them to Roy, one was the book he had wanted. "If you are going to read that one, then you most defiantly need to read the other one too."

"I should have known," Roy said. "Do you have any others hidden?"

"Well...," Ed grinned at him.

----------

Revised - August 2, 2006 / Special thanks go to Kris, who reviewed, and noticed I had Roy call Ed "Edward" twice before noticing. So I fixed it. Thanks!