Chapter Seven

Author's Note: Ok, so we have kind of found out how Ed became a Chimera. In this chappy Ed is recovering and Roy has to take care of him while continuing the patrols at night (what dedication!). Al has joined the searching as well. It's also a little short and slow, but never fear… uh… yeah.

"…I woke up and found myself lying in the alley… That's when I first realized… what had happened. It was early morning and I heard someone coming…" Edward said pausing a moment. Roy's heart began to race as Fullmetal arrived to the part of the story where he had attacked him. "It… it was Colonel Mustang. He found me and … brought me here…"

Ed finished up, staring down at his furred hand. Roy looked up at the young alchemist. This would have been the perfect time to show his whole squadron what a jerk he was, yet Edward didn't. He tried to catch Fullmetal's gaze, but he wouldn't look up. Hawkeye was the only one to raise a brow.

Feeling the heavy weight of everyone's examining eyes on him, Ed grabbed his red coat lying on the floor and wrapped himself in it.

"Wow, chief that's one heck of a story…"Havoc said pulling out a fresh twig (cigarette) and placed it at the tip of his lip, letting it dangle hazardously. "And it looks like you've gotten shorter too…"

The entire room became deathly silent as they waited for the inevitable outburst, but it never came. Only Ed's striped tail twitched in annoyance as he flopped down on the couch. "I'm exhausted…" (Maes grinned inwardly…)

Everyone began to talk as they gathered themselves and prepared for further instructions from Mustang. Al came and sat next to Ed.

"Are you ok, brother?"

Ed, who had his eyes closed, looked up at the armor in front of him. He sighed. "I guess… I just need some time to rest and to be alone…" Ed pulled the hood of his coat over his head and turned, facing the cushions of the couch.

"Ok, well, I am taking the day off to watch over him." Roy announced. Boy am I going to have some paperwork to do tomorrow… He thought. "I will be joining you tonight on the patrol though, so don't worry." Roy looked around at his group. There were mixed expressions, some concerned, tired, eager and Breda seemed to be afraid ever since he saw Edward… "You 're dismissed." Everyone exited Roy's home.

Maes stopped and put his hand on his friends shoulder. "Take care of the kid." He said and slipped a small thick paper into Mustang's shirt pocket. He took it out and there was Alicia on a tire swing. He smirked and began to close the door when a hand stopped him. It was Al.

"I- I want to help you find out who did this to my brother." He stated looking Roy in the eyes.

Mustang stared back. He has a right to… "Ok."

Al bowed, said thank you and leapt out the house calling after First Lieutenant Hawkeye.

Roy locked the door and turned to glance at Ed. He was about to ask him if he wanted anything to eat, but could hear slight snores coming from the huddled ball that lay on his couch. Roy walked into his kitchen and looked in his cupboards and icebox. It's not like I have any food to give him. So after creating a list, Mustang headed to the market.

Two days have past since Ed was found in the alley. The evening patrols have been successful in finding an array of Chimeras both nights, but none were the mysterious black cat-man. Edward had slept straight through, for over forty-eight hours. Roy began to worry and brought his paperwork home so he could check up on the young alchemist. His

temperature, breathing and heart rate were slightly elevated, but nothing to bad. Al and Hawkeye had come to check on him as well. Mustang was sitting at the desk in the corner of the room when Edward finally spoke.

"Where's the restroom?"

The Colonel nearly jumped out of his chair at his voice. He had was beginning to feel like he was alone again… Roy turned around and looked at Ed lying on the sofa. There was an awkward silence between them.

Ed's tail flickered. "Well?"

"Down the hall to the right" Roy said rubbing his tired eyes.

Edward stretched, rolled off the couch and headed toward the hallway. Roy watched him as he left the room. He's limping. Ed came back into the room and collapsed down onto the soft furniture.

"What's wrong with your leg?" Mustang ask turning away from his desk. There was another long pause. "Fullmetal..."

Ed sighed and sat back up. A troubled look covered his face. He rolled up his pants and stretched both legs out. "My automail leg is longer than…"

"Stand up for a moment." Roy said, standing from his chair as well.

Ed wasn't in much of a mood to protest, so he got up from the couch and stood in front of Mustang. The Colonel examined Fullmetal for a minute, not saying a word. Jeez, he has gotten shorter. Roy realized that Edward's real leg was bent the way cats legs were, he knelt down to get a better look. "You'll have to get your other leg adjusted if you want to function properly…" Mustang glanced up at Ed, who had turned his head.

"I-I can't let her see me like this." the young alchemist's voice stuttered. Roy stood level with Edward, but he would not meet his gaze…