musicaltastic: Scar/Al is actually my not-so-secret anymore favorite pairing for Al. And Scar XD. Doesn't have anything to do with her mad libs. Though she is writing some Scar/Al for me... hopefully once she gets back from AWA I can have the first half of it. The suspense is killing me.
moonstone: That's definitely one theory, Roy's jealousy is all powerful.
blackrose5130: Roy is definitely developing something for Ed. He cannot resist the sweet little ghost. But that jealousy says a lot about what sort of feelings he's developing, doesn't it XD.
Infinity: Hah, you and everyone else I'm sure. Never fear, I have the impending romance all under control.
GreedxEd: Roy is a definite pedo. Greed is too though, so don't you start on Roy. Raymond's the only one who's not a pedo.
Alyzabeth: Yeah, poor Ed's world is so limited. But Elysia is such a cute little girl. She needed a cameo.
Disasterifik: See what happens, you don't review a few chapters and I don't update for a few weeks =P. And Maes is sooo insane.
The Lone Eagle: I think Ed is the only one besides Al who doesn't strike me as a potential pedophile. Even Fuery seems fair game.
Lamia: Yes, as Roy said though, he has fun fooling the ones who think he's anything but a one night stand. But I'm glad to see you around again.
E: If Ed were flesh, I'm sure he would have done more than kiss the ketchup off.
Paon: Yeah, really can't answer that even if I want to. And the Al thing will come up eventually, and be explained on Ed's part. So keep waiting for that to happen, I haven't forgotten about poor Al. He'd hurt me.
amiegirl17: Thank you!
Eli: Yeah, that chapter was cute ten times over. Darn it, I need some angst XD.
AnimeAddic5: Thank you! And I hope you do keep reading and enjoying it.
Twisted Vixen: Yeah, Ed is the only one who could get away with the manwhore thing. Roy can't torch him. But Maes does need to be ganged up on by his daughter and best friend. It's the ultimate team.
secret25: I'm glad your computer is doing better. But man, it really did die on you at a bad place didn't it? That was a killer cliffhanger for it to leave you at. I'm glad you survived!
Koolneko22: Thank you. And yeah, children and animals. But it would be too easy to have let Elysia be able to see Ed just like that.
mutantpenguins: Elysia creeps you out? That's amusing and very informative for later...
kazuko: Your brother sounds dangerous... never introduce me to him XD. Maybe I'll put Ed and Roy into one of those plastic swans, that'd be cheesy. And yay for spaghetti! By the way, I think I'd go Wii... but that's because I've personally never had any PS game consoles.
Cheru: Ten page review? Would that even fit in the character limit =P? Ugh, I love swings too. I've no idea why, but they're fun. But I agree, possessive and jealous Roy is hot as hell, and Ed needs to reel that hotness in. -snugs- I don't care if you sound like a stalker, you're one I wouldn't get a restraining order for.
luna moon girl: You know, I wish I had a ghost Ed around me too. That would be so helpful.
abei: Thank you! And don't worry, the Al stuff will make an appearance and all in that area will eventually get explained.
I could explain where the hell I've been... but I won't. Sorry about the lateness!
Umm let's see... story news for the other stories:
Fallen is updated to chapter eighteen. Yes, I finally got an update out for it, because I finally found my smut muse again -headdesks-. Ed's as active as a bloody rabbit now that he's no longer such an innocent star.
Ultimatum was updated recently, those who read it should have gotten the alerts for it.
Those of you who ditched me for a week to go to the AWA convention, I hope you come back having had fun! And look, stuff to read! Because I finally got a break today after three weeks of - getting carried away now. So...
I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter Eleven
The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon at the park together. As it was, Roy had no place else he said he needed to be. Or things he really needed to do. So they walked a few circuits this way and that around the park. Watching as it gradually emptied as families went on their way. But for Edward and Roy, they stayed. And eventually found their way back to the swings.
"I've been thinking." Roy finally said as they swung back and forth together. "If we leave early next Saturday morning, there's someplace I think you'd enjoy going. If you're agreeable to coming with me."
The look Edward turned on him was purely curious. "Where?"
Roy smiled, he'd been expecting that question. But he glanced over at the ghost with a wink. "It's a surprise for you. Will you come?"
Edward smiled after a moment, and nodded. "Of course. You have me curious now. And if it's someplace new, my world will be even bigger."
"It'll be new enough." Roy looked away and towards the sky with a smile. "You trust me far too easily. Though I know why… and it's not like I'd ever do anything to harm that trust."
Edward kicked off from the ground some more to help boost him back into the air. "I take it your friends might have reservations?"
"Of a sort, yes."
Leaning back a bit as he gripped the chains, Edward smiled faintly. "It's because they can experience all of you. I can't."
Roy watched him for a few seconds before looking back at the sky. "You just experience a different part of me. A part very few do."
Edward glanced over at him as he straightened and resumed swinging properly, but said nothing as he too looked up at the sky. Yes, he knew he experienced a different part of Roy. The side of him that seemed to be the one he kept hidden from everyone else. That of a good man. But was it wrong for him to want to know everything? Even the flaws beyond what he already saw? Even the fear he could inflict? Was it wrong?
They swung back and forth in silence broken only by the rhythmic creaking of the chains for several minutes before their silent thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of yet another child come to ogle at the swing that was moving on its own.
"How're you doin' that?" The little boy asked Roy suspiciously.
Edward looked over at the boy, and only swung higher.
Roy looked over at the swing Edward was on, and then looked back at the child. "I've an invisible friend." He explained, recalling Edward's jesting suggestion.
"You can't be inbisible." The boy accused.
"Inbisible. Cute." Edward snickered.
Roy shrugged, "that's what I keep telling him. But he refuses to show himself. He's rather shy."
The boy glared at the swing where Edward still swung. "That's unfair. I want to be inbisible too!"
"Trust me, kid. You don't want to be like me." Edward's smile seemed forced, and he looked away from the child.
Roy, who had looked over at Edward then, turned back to the child. "I don't-"
But the boy suddenly whipped his head around, "gotta go! Mommy's callin'!" And he raced off with one last look towards the invisible friend.
Roy watched the boy run off towards where he could see the woman who must have been his mother standing there waiting for him. And he looked away when he saw her glare his way. He didn't recognize her… but he couldn't blame her for wanting to keep her child away from someone who had a reputation for being a killer as well. Not that he'd ever harm some innocent child.
Edward had caught the exchange, and he shifted his gaze back to Roy, lips pursed in thought before saying, "don't take it to heart." He said quietly. "You can't do anything about people who assume they know the whole story. And besides, when's the last time you killed someone?"
"About a year ago." Roy let out a sigh through his nose and smiled wryly over at the ghost. "Ironic that I should have a ghost as a companion."
Edward smiled back warmly. "I sure hope you're not complaining. I'm becoming quite fond of you."
"Not complaining at all." Roy's smile became more successful as he forgot about everything save for what was in front of him now. It was becoming increasingly easy to focus on just Edward. Yet he didn't dare look at the potential drawbacks… not now. "I want you to stay with me."
Edward gazed at Roy as if not quite sure what to make of it, but he was happy. He wanted to stay with Roy. "And I will. I've nowhere else I want to be more." He admitted without a trace of hesitancy. Out of any possible place he could be, he was where he desired to be. He could have all the freedom to explore as much of the world as could be opened to him, but he'd only go there so long as Roy went with him.
Roy chuckled and looked away, turning his gaze back to the sky where the clouds were gathering at that alarming speed that was normal. "I'm glad." He wasn't even sure why it mattered to him so much that he and Edward stay together. And perhaps it did have to do with the fact that clearly they must have some sort of connection, for all that only he could see Edward or be his link to the outside world.
He hoped he'd never live to see the day Edward would leave him. Yet he knew that there was a good chance he might. All he could do was wait it out, and hope.
Edward followed Roy's gaze, repressing a shudder as he saw those clouds roll in. He wasn't afraid of storms exactly, but they had a lasting memory in his mind. Literally. And now that he could see the thunderhead clouds, it brought the memory back clearer than ever. His hands gripped at the chains so hard that if he were still flesh and blood, he'd have had harsh indentations from the links embedded in his skin. "It's been a long time." He murmured softly, staring at the gathering mass.
Roy tore his gaze back to Edward from the clouds yet again, but this time his eyes were concerned. "Do you want to go inside? It's still a few hours until dinner, but-"
"I'm fine." Edward cut across, still watching the brewing storm. "No memories I've not been carrying with me for seven years. Besides, it's different now. I'm already dead… I'm not about to do anything dangerous… and I'm with you."
Roy cocked an eyebrow as he smirked at the ghost. "Mmm yes, with me. I'll protect you from the big bad storm."
"Shut up!" Edward growled as Roy began to laugh. But he smiled despite himself. "I don't need protection."
Roy winked at him. "But think of what a smooth move that would be into gaining your undying affection."
Edward stuck his tongue out childishly. "I'll pass, thanks. Any undying affection I have for you stems from something totally unrelated to your attempts at flirting with me."
"So they're no longer atrocious attempts?" Roy asked with interest.
"Don't get too full of yourself." Edward cautioned with a smile.
Roy chuckled a bit, "but you've undying affection for me?"
Edward rolled his eyes. "Impossible man." He muttered, but was still smiling as he went back to watching the sky. The sun was setting swifter now, as if gravity was tugging either it or the world faster in one direction. Rose hued light of the setting sun shone down across the sky, against the gathered backdrop of steel gray thunderclouds. The thunderclouds seemingly waiting to let loose their bowels until the sun passed beyond the horizon.
"I sure hope it decides to not rain." Roy sighed as he swung back and forth slowly, barely gaining any altitude now.
"You've your gloves in your pockets though, so they should be okay." Edward reminded him.
Roy shrugged. "Not so much worried about that, as I am if I do need them and it's raining. It gets unpredictable in…" he trailed off, looking at the sky with a frown, "dangerous ways. For everyone."
"I understand why." Edward gave a small grimace. "But I doubt we'll have to worry about that tonight. Besides, not everything that has to happen to you because of a little rain is bad."
Well, there was always sex in the rain… but Roy didn't quite have an opportunity for that tonight. And even if it was an exhilarating idea, he wasn't about to ditch Edward tonight. He'd made plans to be with the ghost, so he'd not go back on them. Even for sex in the rain. "You're lucky I like you as much as I do." He informed the ghost matter-of-factly.
"How's that?" Edward queried as he watched the birds get in some last minute flying on the warm air currents of the wind that was presumably picking up by the erratic sway of the boughs of trees. It looked fun, and in a way he wished he could join them. But the wind didn't affect him. And he'd hate to get caught in a strong gale if it did… Roy would have to come retrieve him.
"Because I'm not going to ditch you to have sex in the rain. That's a good thing that can happen with rain." Roy explained with a smirk.
Edward groaned at the thought. "That's one good thing you don't need to worry about sharing with me." He informed the man.
Roy laughed at the ghost's reaction. "I'll remember that. I'll just rely on you to take care of me when I catch a cold."
"I'd at least let you suffer the first day on your own." Edward smiled to himself. Not about to argue that he'd leave Roy on his own. He already had come to the realization that he had a desire to take care of Roy. He'd taken care of him when he'd finally shown up after the drinks and bedroom activities instead of leaving Roy on his own. He knew the man didn't need anyone to take care of him. But it didn't seem to matter.
"I'm so glad I decided to keep you around." Roy teased back.
"Me too." Edward smiled over at him, and they shared a bit of a laugh before turning back to their quiet swinging and watching of the sky. Yes… he was content and happy staying with Roy. Even if the man wasn't perfect. He wasn't perfect either, he probably had the headstone to prove it.
They swung back and forth together, never quite gaining much altitude, as the storm brewed. The rose hues of light lessening gradually until it only outlined the underbellies of the clouds. And then it was gone altogether. The trees bowed in the wind, and the birds had since taken refuge in the twisting branches. And as far as either could tell they were absolutely alone.
After a time Roy dug his heels into the sand to bring himself to a swaying halt. "Come on, it's time we head to Maes's house." And he stood up.
Edward immediately released any control he had over the swing and floated to his side. "Does he have any pets? I might get them in trouble."
Roy shook his head as he finished crossing through the sand, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "Not unless he's gotten one since I was last over there. They've never seemed the type of family to get a pet. And I'm not sure why. I was glad to find Hazel and have the stability of housing to keep him."
"Such a masculine pet too." Edward grinned. "I won't worry then about upsetting any animals if they sense me."
"My having a squirrel is only a testament to how masculine I am. It takes a real man to have a furry ball of fluff as a pet." Roy chuckled. But he still would never let anyone he didn't want to see Hazel into his home. He truly believed that someone might steal his squirrel.
Edward laughed, "yes, Roy. As soon as I saw you pull a squirrel out of your jacket there was no doubt in my mind that you were the incarnation of manliness."
Roy snorted.
"Or curl up in bed like a good boy and drink hot chocolate." Edward's grin was positively evil.
Roy glowered at the ghost, but a smile was tugging at his mouth, just waiting for him to give up trying to hold it back. "Another side of me only you get to see." And then deciding to have his own little fun, added. "I like being taken care of. I'll only be submissive for the right person in bed. And you certainly succeeded in ordering me into bed."
Edward was sure if he was capable of it, he'd have blushed. But as it was he could only manage a deer in the headlights look that made Roy burst out laughing. "I-I'm – I didn't! Not like that! Roy!"
"Sorry." He laughed, but silently thought to himself it certainly was the truth. "I know I promised to stop flustering you, but it's so much fun."
Edward looked away, still a bit self-conscious. "I remember telling you I can take it. It's just… that was more atrocious than usual. I don't want you to change your personality because of me."
"Ouch, more atrocious." Roy held a hand over his heart. "Edward, the only reason I still live after such an arrow to the heart is that you don't want me to change."
"Don't push your luck." Edward smirked at his antics.
Roy winked at him, but smiled. "Don't you go changing either, ghost."
Edward merely smiled back, but said nothing.
The walk to Maes's house wasn't too long, but along the way Roy made sure that the ghost's world was widened. It was easy for Edward to pick out the spots of whiteness around him in this darkness, and thus point them out to Roy so the man could continue being an owl and expand his world. During the walk the wind had picked up a great deal judging by the way Roy's clothes and hair were being whipped about. But it only started to pour rain about a block from their destination.
Edward watched over Roy in concern, and floated faster as the man picked up the pace. He was getting absolutely drenched by the rain that was falling in slanted lead sheets and given ammunition by the wind. It might not have to take sex in the rain to make Roy catch a cold. "You okay?"
"Fine. Not much farther and I can dry my clothes." Roy tugged his jacket tighter despite the fact it was soaked through. And he grumbled over the fact that Edward wasn't affected by it at all.
Edward nodded, and stayed close beside him for more than the usual reasons. It wasn't like he could do anything, but he felt that perhaps his being there helped with being drenched. And besides… it gave him something of an excuse to cover up his reaction to the thunder and lightning. The audio and visual stimulation was unsettling him bit by bit. He wasn't afraid, but it was quite assaulting to his senses. He'd not encountered anything like this since his death. And it was loud, and bright, and sudden.
Roy didn't ask, so he needn't be fooled, but he had spent enough time out with Edward in public over the weekend to know what it meant when the ghost got this close to him. He mentioned nothing of it though, only hurried on his way so he could dry off, and make sure Edward was able to be inside a smaller structure away from the flashes of lightning and the worst of the noise of the thunder.
When they at last reached the front door of the correct house, Roy rapped on the wet lacquered wood and glanced over at the ghost beside him. "Go on in as soon as he opens."
Edward nodded and floated up so he was near the topmost area of the door, and when it did swing open, he darted into the world revealed to him before he had to worry about not passing through anyone. And he quickly turned back to watch Roy, not even bothering to investigate what had already been exposed to him.
"See your timing is impeccable as always." Maes grinned as he saw the state Roy was in. He hadn't even heard the storm start, he'd been too busy listening to his daughter reading him a fairytale. But by the looks of the outdoors, it was quite the downpour.
Roy rolled his eyes and invited himself inside out of the rain where he began to drip-dry and create a rather substantial puddle already on the floor. "You should try it sometime."
"I'll pass." Maes shut the door. "Had enough of being out in inclement weather when you were herding us around Ishbal. Besides, a wise man has enough sense to get out of the rain."
"Don't pull Ishbal on me, Maes. I'll seriously miss my mark." Roy shot him a dark look as he tugged on one glove. He ignored his best friend ducking around the corner to where he knew the kitchen lay, and let his alchemy dry his clothes near instantaneously… and without shrinking!
Edward floated down to settle by Roy and give the man a frown. "He teases you about it?"
"Not seriously." Roy replied quietly as he made a show of turning around to pull off his jacket. "For him it's a 'laugh to keep from crying' thing."
Edward didn't have a chance to ask if the manwhoring and binge drinking was Roy's way of coping, for into their momentary solitude flew Elysia.
"Uncle Roy!" She squealed happily, and flew into his arms as Roy ducked obediently to sweep her up off her feet.
"I swear you grow taller every time I see you." Roy beamed at her as he held both jacket and child in his arms.
Elysia giggled, "I'm gonna be taller than you Uncle Roy."
Roy gasped dramatically. "But then how could I pick you up?"
"I could pick you up!" Elysia suggested as she began to pat at his hair.
Edward snickered. Between the two of them, he wasn't sure if either of their egos would allow for it. But he couldn't help but think that Roy made a good uncle for the little girl, blood related or not.
"Having trouble getting in the door again?" Came a laughing feminine voice, and Gracia walked into view.
When Edward landed eyes on this woman, who was everything he believed a mother would look like walked into view, he couldn't help but feel a jolt of sad longing for his own mother. Even though Gracia's hair was shorter, lighter, and she was somewhat more plump than his own mother had been, he still got that same warm feeling from her. The feeling all good mothers radiated, of comfort.
Roy smiled at her in greeting. "Of course not. How are you Gracia? Thanks for letting me over again."
Gracia chuckled and retrieved her daughter to set Elysia down. "Hunny, go help your daddy in the kitchen." And she smiled as she watched the little girl run off. Only then did she turn to Roy and embrace him mutually. "I'm doing wonderful. And it's no bother at all you being here. You know you're welcome any time."
"I know. But you know how I hate to impose." Roy reminded her, relinquishing his jacket as she held out a hand to take it.
"Is that why you always leave your nightly conquests before dawn?" She teased fondly. She knew his reputation very well, but didn't hold it against him. It was just who Roy was.
Roy glanced over at Edward once, finding nothing in the ghost's expression to tell him exactly what the apparition was thinking. "Safer that way for all involved. And besides, you know me, I'd cry my eyes out if I had only one person for the rest of my life."
Gracia chuckled as she finished hanging his coat, and stepped over to pat him on the arm. "That can be taken more than one way. Deny all you want, but deep down you want happy tears, not sad ones."
"I like her too." Edward decided all of a sudden.
Roy's gaze flicked over to Edward briefly before looking back at Gracia. "You always were a romantic."
"Come on, we'll get us all fed." Gracia smiled at him and began to walk off. "You're not going anywhere soon anyway with that rain as it is."
Didn't he know it. "Best open another bottle of wine then." Roy suggested as he followed after her.
Edward took to walking on the floor, right beside him. Staying close. He didn't want to lose sight of Roy, and he was still a bit on edge from the thunder he could still hear. "I think you might be a romantic too. If it mattered enough to you, if they mattered enough."
Roy was unable to reply, but for his own part, he sincerely doubted that such an occurrence would actually happen. Him? Find someone who was worth becoming a romantic and committing? It was laughable at best. Alarming at worst. He didn't want the headache that went with any of that. Especially the headache involved in trying to find such a person.
"So Roy," Gracia began as she took a seat at the dining table which Maes had just finished setting, "you were at the park today as well?"
Roy nodded as he took a seat as well, and as their dinners together were quite informal after having none each other so long, they all grabbed a serving dish and passed around without any formalities. Maes was attending to Elysia's plate as well. "I felt like a walk, and some fresh air." He said as he piled a healthy heap of mashed potatoes onto his plate, topped off by a dipperful of gravy. "Spent a lot of time out there just thinking though. Every now and then you need that."
"Daddy threw a knife at Uncle Roy!" Elysia piped up helpfully.
Maes flinched guiltily under the look his wife was giving him. "I missed. You know how good my aim is."
Gracia narrowed her eyes at him, before suddenly smiling. Something she knew would make him panic even more. "Well I'm glad Uncle Roy is okay."
Edward had taken to hovering beside Roy at this point, and couldn't help but nod in agreement with Gracia. He didn't care if Maes was Roy's best friend or not. If he hurt Roy… he might just become a dangerous ghost for a night. "Can I call you my Uncle Roy too? But seeing as how I've seen you mostly naked that could get awkward." He asked in a distracted sort of tone.
When Roy choked on his potatoes and gravy, nearly inhaling it, there was only minor chaos at the table. And as he coughed the blockage free, he glared at Edward. The thought that Edward wouldn't have seen anything but his chest didn't cross his mind. And that bratty ghost could only smirk at him as he choked.
"Don't you know how to eat?" Edward smiled at him sweetly now.
Roy figured that not only was silence on his end towards Edward needed right now, but it was deserved as punishment for making him choke.
"Are you all right?" Maes asked him with an odd look.
"Perfectly." Roy said, and continued to eat to prove it.
Gracia smiled over at him. "And how was your first week back at work, Roy?"
Roy's thoughts immediately went to the ghost there beside him, and a faint smile came onto his face as he thought about that first week. When he'd had his entire world turned upside down by one individual. A ghost once locked in his office, now at his side. It had been a first week back at work for the record books. "It's been quite bearable, actually."
Maes grinned at that, adding, "he's been getting his work done on time every night. For the first time ever. He told Riza it wasn't because he had anyone to go meet… but you're scaring us Roy. We've not heard gunfire at all yet, and you've not been scrambling to make deadlines."
Roy gave his friend a withering look. "I have my reasons, and not everything that motivates me has to come from the possibility of-" he glanced at Elysia, "-exchanging business cards."
Maes cracked a grin, and Gracia smiled. Elysia didn't know any better and just kept eating her peas.
"So what is it then? You have an opening you potentially see?" Gracia queried while reaching for her dinner roll.
Roy nodded, there was that. And now that Edward could stay by his side he didn't need to worry about one day having to change offices. That would have severely limited his time with Edward. "I have Maes looking into it, but yes." He told her. "I might be able to shove my way directly into a brigadier general position if this turns out the way I'm planning for it to."
Hearing this, Edward studied Roy closely. The man wasn't lying. Roy was up to something even as he had Maes checking out Basque Grand. But Roy had never mentioned anything to him, and since he'd been spending the time while Roy worked doing stuff like reading, he'd not seen anything pass across Roy's desk that would have clued him in. He just hoped that the man could stay as discreet with everyone else.
Elysia, not really understanding much about this work stuff the adults were talking about, suddenly abandoned her peas and fixed a glare on Roy. "You didn't bring your friend!" She accused with classic adolescent indignation.
All of the adults, and even Edward turned to her with mixed expressions. And Roy tilted his head as he considered the girl, trying to wrestle down the surge of jealousy stirring inside him. "You mean Hazel? I didn't have time to go get him."
Edward knew she couldn't mean him, she hadn't looked his way at all since he'd been here. "It's not me." He told Roy, not sure why it mattered that he did. "She hasn't even looked through me tonight."
Elysia frowned, "Hazel… the squirrel."
Maes shrugged at his wife, and Gracia turned to her daughter with a placating smile. "Maybe Uncle Roy will bring Hazel next time."
"I'll do my best to." Roy added, trying to not notice how Edward's words made him feel. And he took a long drink of the wine that had been poured for him to try and dampen those emotions.
After dinner they retired to the living room, and Edward took to sitting on the arm of the chair Roy was in. He'd since stopped feeling so edgy, the thunder had ceased and with it the noise. But it didn't occur to him to perhaps give Roy some space now because of it. And as Roy didn't seem to mind his presence, he stayed.
"What are your plans for next weekend?" Gracia asked Roy as they sat together. Maes had recently left to put Elysia to bed. "Maes and I were thinking about taking Elysia to the zoo if you wanted to come with us."
Roy knew they were only trying to make him feel like a part of a family, since he had no family here. And mostly since he knew they thought he was alone. But even if he had felt alone before, there sure as hell was no way he could feel alone now. Even if no one else could see him, for which he was secretly happy about, Roy had Edward. "I'm actually going out of town."
"Where are we going?" Edward asked, despite having been told it was a surprise.
"To visit your mother?" Gracia guessed. "How is she these days?"
Roy shrugged, "spoke to her about two weeks ago on the phone. She's doing fine as always. I swear the woman is immortal and gets feistier with age. But no, I'm not going to visit her. It's a surprise visit for a friend."
"Who?" Gracia pounced immediately with a ravenous grin.
Roy scoffed, "like I'd tell you. You'd tell them I was coming and ruin the surprise. I know how women gossip." And he smiled as he glanced up casually to see Edward pouting.
Maes soon rejoined them, and sat beside his wife on the coach. "So what'd I miss?"
"Roy's taking the weekend off somewhere to go visit someone. He won't tell me who." Gracia informed him evilly, knowing her husband would pester the man into spilling. If not by tonight, than during the work week.
Roy immediately pointed a finger at his best friend. "Don't even try. I'm not going to tell you who."
"Is it a date?" Maes wheedled with a cunning grin in place.
Edward laughed, "they're not going to let you off easy, are they. If you want me to leave so you can make up a credible story I'll duck up through the roof for a few minutes. Just nudge me away."
Roy did no such thing. Even if he did tell them where he was headed, making up a friend he was visiting there? No. He wasn't going there. And he definitely wasn't about to tell them that he had a ghost as a friend and that the trip was for the spirit's benefit. "Not anyone I'm dating, have dated, nor will be dating."
"Even if I were alive I wouldn't date you." Edward informed him with a smirk as he rested his chin on the heel of his hand while staring down at the man. "You flirt like crap."
Roy merely smiled.
"Is this person ugly or related to you in some way?" Maes asked flatly, thinking that those were the only reasons Roy would be going to visit someone he had had no dalliances with in past, present, or plans for the future. Besides those on Roy's team, of course, the man had always flat out refused there… not that he blamed him.
"I am not ugly!" Edward scowled, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at Maes. "He's going the right way for a haunting."
Roy smiled at Edward's reaction, he could practically feel his seething indignation at being indirectly called ugly. But he kept his eyes straight forward at his friend. "I don't screw everything available that walks."
"So they've already been taken before you could get to them?" Gracia guessed just for the fun of it.
Roy's head bowed. In a way… yes. In a way Edward had been taken from him before he could get to him when he and his brother were just children. He should have thought to go there sooner, and he had been. He truly had been planning to go to Risembool to talk to the kids when Alphonse's letter had arrived with news of Edward's death. And at that point, well, he never made the journey. "In a way, yes. I took too long."
"I knew it was something like that." Maes smirked, but at his side, Gracia was still closely watching the man while her husband looked away too soon to see that flash of one emotion she'd never seen before pass in Roy's eyes when he talked about someone else. Regret. But then it was gone, and the man was smiling again.
"That's why a visit is in order." Roy finished. "So I won't be able to go with you to the zoo. But thanks for the offer."
And as the three began to talk once more about various things, Edward continued to stare at Roy. Trying to piece the man's words together with where they might be going. He'd not asked to go anywhere that would require a weekend trip. So what was he up to? Or was it just something said to fit Gracia and Maes's expectations of what they wanted to hear?
When the clock struck ten p.m., he still hadn't come to a decision. Only more theories. And as Roy stood with an announcement that he'd better head home and get some sleep, he rose from the arm of the chair as well.
"I'll see you at work." Roy said as the three entered the hallway near the front door, Edward floating near the ceiling. "Gracia, dinner was wonderful as always."
"Of course it was." Gracia grinned at him, and gave him a quick hug.
Maes merely clapped Roy on the back. "Best run home if it's still raining. Sure you don't want an umbrella in case?"
Roy opened the front door and looked out. If it was still raining, it was lightly at best. Nothing much to worry about. "You know I hate umbrellas." He muttered, and accepted his coat from Gracia, tugging it on. "Have a good night you two."
As the front door closed, Roy began to walk down the path to the sidewalk, feeling the light mist of rain against his skin. It would take it a while at this rate to get him very wet. And from the woodwork of the house shot Edward to join him.
The ghost landed on the ground and began to walk as well. "You're being careful, aren't you? This thing with Grand? I really, really don't like him. I don't want him to hurt you." He said as he peered closely around at Roy's face.
"I am." Roy replied gently, giving him a reassuring sort of look. "And so is Maes. Don't worry, Ed, I won't put myself in any danger needlessly. I have before sometimes, sure, but you need me. And I won't leave you alone because I acted like an idiot."
Edward worried his bottom lip between his teeth for a moment, before giving a shallow nod. "Okay."
"It'll be okay. Just trust me, I've got everything under control." Roy tried to further reassure him. "Now are you okay? I know the thunder and lightning was a bit much for you. Sensory overload?"
Edward looked away self-consciously, fixing his gaze on the rain-washed streets that glowed with spots of yellow from lamplight. "Yeah. I was fine for a while, but I think after spending most of this afternoon outside at the park it just hit me all of a sudden. It was a lot more loud noise and flashing of light than I'm used to."
"But you're okay now?" Roy pressed.
"Being near you helps calm me." Edward admitted, just a little bit embarrassed, but not enough to keep it from Roy. Besides, he believed the man already knew that. If he didn't well… Roy could only be utterly, hopelessly clueless. "So I'm fine now."
Roy smiled, feeling something akin to pride flash through him. "I'm glad. You can be close to me whenever you need to until you get over the culture shocks."
"You mean until I start acting my age?" Edward turned to him with an uncertain sort of smile on his face, it looked almost like a grimace, really.
"There's nothing wrong with what you're going through." Roy said quite firmly. "I think you've handled it quite well, personally. I think if I'd been contained as you were I'd have been a lot jumpier than you've been. And I mean that." And Roy thought about it for a moment before adding with a grin, "besides, it makes me feel powerful and wanted when you cling to me. Like I get to protect you."
Not for the first time did Edward wish he were capable of shoving Roy. "I'm not a date, remember? That won't work on me."
"Was worth a try to make you smile again." Roy told him, taking note that it had worked.
Edward laughed softly. "Then I won't worry anymore that I seem childish to you."
Roy smiled back at him. "I've never thought of you as a child. Childish enthusiasm perhaps, yes. But I admit I admire that about you. No, Ed, you could never be childish to me. And I'm not just saying that so you don't torture me for the rest of my life."
"That's right, you're stuck with me for the rest of your life."
"I wouldn't call it 'stuck'." Roy murmured to himself, feeling happy as he made his way home with his companion despite the steady drizzle of rain.
When they finally got home, Roy was quite wet again. Yet he merely headed for his bedroom as Edward locked the front door before pelting through the walls to beat him upstairs.
Entering his bedroom he saw the ghost was sitting on his bed, mercifully untouched by the elements of nature. "I'm just going to take a hot shower." He said and tugged off his jacket on his way to the bathroom. "Maybe I won't get sick if I warm myself up like that."
Edward nodded, and as Roy vanished into the bathroom to finish stripping and set his clothes aside to presumably dry, he made his way back down through the walls and floors into the kitchen. He knew what else would warm Roy up, and he still had the remainder from before saved in the fridge.
So he opened the door and pulled out the container of hot chocolate and set it on a counter while he searched for and found a pan. He started it heating and mixing back up again as he listened to the hissing of increased rainfall outside. It seemed that they'd made it back just in time. Once he was done heating it all back up he flipped the heat off the burner and poured Roy a mug of the stuff.
Making his way back up to Roy's bedroom by way of the stairs he opened the door to let himself in. And hearing that Roy had just turned off the shower, settled on the bed to wait while cradling the mug in his hands.
Roy stepped out of the bathroom with a wall of steam, drying his hair with the towel that he hadn't wrapped about his waist. Seeing Edward sitting there on his bed he smiled, but not for the normal reason he might smile in seeing someone in his bed – if he ever changed his mind about bringing someone home to his place –. It was the growing familiarity of having the ghost there, and welcoming the presence. As well as what was in said ghost's hands. "Did you make me more hot chocolate?"
Edward nodded with a sunny smile. "Thought it would help. Showers only warm from the outside in. This warms inside out." He said, not blinking at the fact that Roy was quite naked save for a towel.
Roy smiled back in gratitude and tossed the towel he'd been drying his hair with aside. "Thank you, it will help." He didn't mention the fact that he didn't think he'd need it. But then again, he hadn't thought that having some would have helped keep the worst of a hangover at bay. "I'll be out again in a moment." He said as he grabbed a pair of checkered pajama bottoms from a dresser drawer and vanished back into the bathroom.
So Edward waited patiently, and when Roy joined him on the bed, he passed the mug over. "To your health?"
Roy laughed, and raised the mug in a toast to the ghost. "To not getting sick." And he drank the entire thing under Edward's watchful gaze. He passed the empty mug to Edward's waiting hand when he was done. "Thanks. It's still delicious."
Edward smiled at him gratefully, and floated up off the bed, intending to take the dirty mug downstairs. Along with the one he'd left up here from before. "Do you feel warm again?"
"Completely." Roy admitted. The rich liquid had melted any lingering ice he hadn't even noticed from his bones.
Edward beamed, and collected the other mug before heading towards the door and looking over his shoulder at Roy who was climbing under the covers of the bed. "Goodnight, Roy."
Roy, who had finished settling in, raised himself up on one elbow. "Wait, Ed."
Edward turned back to him curiously. "Yes?"
"You're welcome to come back to my bed again tonight." He offered with a bit of a wicked smile. "And you don't have to stay at a bottom corner."
"Am I the first virgin you've said that too?" Edward asked through a return smile. He knew that while it may sound like an invitation of another sort, it wasn't. And he knew that Roy was only making it sound that way to tease him.
Roy winked at him, and settled back down against the bed and pillows. "Yes. You're the only one who gets to see this side of me."
Edward gave him a warm smile. "Lucky me."
Roy watched as Edward left the room, and closing his eyes he sighed contentedly. And he began to drift off to sleep hoping that he'd wake up seeing Edward nearby again. He wasn't sure why it mattered, but then, he didn't understand a lot of how he was feeling lately when it came to the ghost. Jealousy ranking near the top. And that jealousy was the last thing on his mind before he fell completely asleep.