Chapter twenty-seven

Ed listened to the familiar sound of Roy cutting up his food for him. It was that subtle sound of a fork occasionally clink-ing against the plate, and the more commonly occurring sharp scraping of the knife that made him flinch slightly. It wasn't that he feared it, far from it. He could hear Roy's steady breathing above him. Could feel the strong arms around him as Roy worked patiently, not saying anything about the way that Ed was sitting on his lap, while they were eating dinner together with the others.

It had been a compromise of sorts. Ed hadn't been eating downstairs with anyone other than Roy. And that had only been after their sparring match in the middle of the night. Ed didn't like the thought of having everyone look at him. To be sad about how he looked now.

...But now they had given him Mom. They had done something so invaluable for him. Everything else that they had been doing for the past few days had been driven by a sense of needing to do it. Something that they always did. Winry had been Winry. Granny had been Granny. Teacher had been Teacher. Sig had been Sig. Maes Hughes had been Maes Hughes. Gracia Hughes had been Gracia Hughes. That had just been how they were. Winry and Granny had been working on the automail. Teacher had been training people like she always did. Sig had been there and done Sig-stuff. Whether it was grunting, hugging his wife whilst making sure that she took her medicine, or standing in the kitchen, preparing meat like only a butcher of his calibre was capable of, it was all Sig-stuff. The Hugheses had been doing Hughes-stuff. Although the latter had changed abruptly earlier as Teacher had decided to begin training Maes instead for today.

But Mom... That hadn't been something that he had thought would happen. It was an abrupt change to his life. One of the few good ones.

And so Ed had decided to repay that kindness... That invaluable sculpture...

...Which was why he was sitting by the dinner table with all the others.

But he still wanted to sit on Roy's lap. To constantly have his big arms around him as he sat there.

...Because he was sitting there, unable to see all those that he was hurting just by being there.

And so it made it a bit easier to be around everyone when he could feel the safety of sitting with those strong arms around him...The way that they gave him a sense of realness. Because Roy was there. Roy was real. He was his guide dog, and when Roy could confirm the realness of his surroundings... Of the people around him... It was like Ed was on one side of a locked door and everyone else were on the other side. Everyone but Roy. Because he was standing right there, next to Ed. And Roy had the key.

Ed supposed it would have been easier if he had been living in a place that he actually knew what looked like. Was living with people whose faces he knew. He couldn't just run his hand over Elicia's face, and so he was living with a mystery-baby. And Maes was kind and so was Gracia... But he had never met them before. And it had been three years since he had last seen Teacher and Sig. Winry and Granny were easy enough. But they too would fade from his memories. Or perhaps they wouldn't? When he didn't have all those new experiences and faces and places and surroundings in general? It should make it easier to remember when he didn't have any new memories that would combat or push away those old images in his mind.

He hoped so. He really hoped so. Because otherwise he would lose Al even more than he had already done.

But he had Roy. And Roy had the key. Roy was his and he was Roy's and so he'd be safe and warm in Roy's embrace and feel real. Things could feel more real. Because Roy was confirming that fact. Roy was real in this black world and he could confirm the realness of the others. He could make them closer. Make them a bit less separated from Ed in his bubble of darkness.

People didn't know that the clothes that Ed had changed into were Roy's. Because Roy had transmuted them to fit him. They had simply lied about buying Ed some new ones while they were out. Instead, Roy had bought new clothes for himself.

...Because he had understood without Ed saying anything that he found comfort in wearing clothes that carried Roy's scent.

So now Ed was wearing a T-shirt/regular shirt hybrid. Apparently it was light blue like Roy's usual shirts, but with a white collar and hems. He was also wearing shorts. Those were white. Because it was warm inside the house. They couldn't risk it being cold. Al was a newborn, after all. His baby brother couldn't get sick. Not now. Not ever.

Because Al couldn't die.

He just couldn't.

Ed suddenly had Roy gently press his lips to his left temple as the sounds of the pasta being cut ceased. He could read Ed well by now. He could tell when he needed a hug. When he needed a kiss to his cheek or his temple or his forehead. It was an odd thing. He liked it, found comfort in it... And it reminded him of Mom.

Many of the things that Roy was doing, left him wondering if he was really turning into Ed's dad.

Roy guided Ed inside the bedroom at eight o'clock that evening. They wouldn't go to brush their teeth until after Ed would take his sleeping pills at around half past nine. He glanced at the nightstand where the forms he had asked the Lieutenant to drop off at his house while they were away, were lying together with a fountain pen.

Roy closed and locked the door behind them, just before Ed suddenly grabbed his elbow tighter. "Roy? Would it be... Would it be okay with you if we just... If we just wore... Wore our boxers? ...That way we can use the duvet tonight and it... I prefer the duvet over a blanket..." the boy said quietly. Fear was very evident in his voice.

Roy wasn't surprised that Ed would prefer the heaviness of a duvet over a blanket and a pair of pyjamas. Roy always found that he slept better with a duvet himself. It involved a certain amount of safety that blankets lacked. It was more comfortable, more heavy and less vulnerable in a way.

"Of course, Ed. I'll just open the windows too."

"Thanks, Roy..." Edward whispered. He seemed completely emotionally exhausted by today's events. Roy had to say that listening to the interview in the manager's office had been hard. He had just wanted to run to the room with Ed and hold him tight. Especially as he had begun crying. Not sobbing, thankfully, but he had still cried.

But now they were back home and everything was safe and warm for the young boy.

And so Roy was soon enough pulling his duvet over them both, and Ed curled up to him again. He placed his arm over Roy's chest, just like the day before. Roy in turn, instinctively hugged his left arm around the boy, resting the palm of his hand on the middle of Ed's back. "Roy? Where's Wally?"

"I've got some paperwork to do first. Hawkeye came by with three special request forms while we were at the radio station. I spoke with the Führer about it when I called earlier about the name change. He said that the forms would be approved immediately once they reached his office, and that it was merely a formality. It still needs to be archived and be so at Central Command and the State Alchemist Office, because it will have a great impact on my career."

"What are they for?" Ed asked quietly, looking confused and a bit scared.

Roy sighed softly and removed Ed's sunglasses. "First of all is that I request three months' home office, and only working fifty per cent during that time because of personal affairs. That includes getting settled with my role as an adoptive parent, working on moving into a new home and selling this one, and just caring for you in general. The second one is because I'm requesting that I will be exempt from my duties as a human weapon and a combat alchemist. That means that I won't be ordered to fight in a war, despite my talents, physical health and my status as a war hero who would have been a great asset on the battlefield. The third one is for exemption from being sent on missions in other cities. It's not unheard of to request it, but it's not common either. Those that do it, usually do so because they're single parents with a child with a long-term illness. The last two forms need to be approved by the Führer himself, because I am basically requesting that I won't have to fulfil my duties as a State Alchemist, without losing my certification as a result. There aren't many that get that one approved, because they have little usefulness as a State Alchemist who isn't being one. Actually, I'll be the first combat alchemist who will get it approved. I think it's partially because I am still serving as a bodyguard for you and Al, so I am still being used as the Flame Alchemist. Plus, I'm a colonel, so it's not like I'm a State Alchemist and only that. I'd still be a soldier, even if I'd be turning in my pocket watch. The military's PR wouldn't exactly benefit from them revoking my licence for caring for you two by making sure that you won't lose your parent because he's serving in a war. Same goes for requesting that my range is restricted to East City so that I can be there for you for as long as possible. Leaving my children when one of them is blind and has been through some of the most traumatic experiences there are, and the other is a newborn... Being sent away on a mission or the battlefield, while I'm a single parent who needs to take care of my sons at the most crucial time of their lives... That's just not going to happen."

Ed paused, pale and with his mouth was opened slightly, making him look quite a bit like a confused toddler.

And he had that look of guilt on his face again. "...But that... That's bound to slow your career down... And you... You're working on... On becoming Führer..." he whispered, his lips trembling.

Roy sighed and cupped Ed's left cheek in his right hand. He had told Edward about his plans yesterday. About his plans for why he would become Führer. His talk with Hawkeye had made him realise that he had ought to let Ed know as early as possible, and so he had. "Edward, please don't worry about it. I'll work on becoming Führer, of course I will... But do you seriously think that anyone would want me to be so if I choose to abandon my kids to make it easier to become the most powerful man in the country?"

"I-I suppose so..." Ed said quietly,

Roy began stroking his cheek with his thumb. "Besides, Edward, I am using this current situation for all that it's worth. The better you two are living, the more pleased will the public be. Right now, the three of us are advertising the military, and Führer Bradley in particular. He has been granting us a lot because he knows too that this is perfect for pleasing the masses. And so that is what I am doing. I'm getting those requests written and signed as soon as possible because what's going on with the three of us is one of the most important matters to the public right now. The more advertisements for the military we present while it's still such big news, the more we can use to make things easier and better. I'm not particularly keen on the way that the military is using us, but I think that it's therefore a good thing for us to use in turn."

Ed lay there in silence for about half a minute, before he began whispering cautiously. "...Does that... Is that why you've done all this? ...Just to make everyone happy and sort of stock up on things to make it easier when people don't care any more? ...So ...So adopting us and letting me change m-my name? ...Letting me do the interview? ...It's all just... Just a political game? ...You just make the best out of a bad situation?" He sounded terrified. Terrified and betrayed.

Roy froze.

He definitely hadn't meant it like that.

But he didn't even have the time to come up with an answer before Ed spoke again. The small boy sat up slightly, leaning on Roy's chest with his elbow. "You just wanna make it easier for when things are calmed down, rather than it being what you actually want? To be better prepared for doing it... When nobody's interested any more? We... We're... We're a p-problem that you need... Need preparations for? It's all just to make things easier for later? ...That's why you... Why you began k-kissing my head or my cheek or my forehead or my temple? ...To make it easier for me to... To trust you... To do as I need to to make things easier... Y-You've been... Have y-you just... just been... m-manipulating me?"

"LIKE HELL I HAVE!" Roy shouted, making Ed flinch, before he sat up sharply and grabbed the young boy by the shoulders. His stomach was clenching, fear and stress were clouding his judgement as he pressed Ed back into the pillows. He barely managed to calm himself down just enough not to shout even more and make the others come running or listen to everything he had to say. "Like hell I would do something like that! I've done a lot of manipulation during these past few years, but I would NEVER do that! I would never toy with your feelings! Never!" He was torn between anger and terror. Because if Ed lost his trust in him now... "Please don't do this to me, Ed... Please... Just please let me care for you... I-I didn't want to be your guardian at first... But then... Then I realised that I couldn't stand the thought of leaving you with someone else... And I can't... Ed, do you seriously think that I'd let you sleep in my bed just as a way of manipulation? Do you think that I'd transmute you a plush sheep that was supposed to hopefully make it easier for you to not have nightmares? I made Arnold for you because I needed to talk to Hughes about the adoption, but I didn't want to leave you. And so I made you something that smells like me. And I put it together from one of my pillows and an old coat."

He sighed heavily, releasing the child's shoulders, noticing Edward's tears. And so Roy cupped his cheeks and dried them away with his thumbs. "Ed, had it been a political game, then I would have suggested that you be sent off to live with Major Armstrong in Central. He works under Hughes and would easily have been able to set it up with a fraction of the work involved, considering the fact that he lives in agiant mansion so that space will be no issue."

Roy really just wanted to see those golden eyes again. Not look at those sickening preparations for a pair of ocular prostheses. When Ed was going to be so scared, then Roy wanted to look at those golden orbs, to interpret them. To see exactly what was the biggest fright that they contained. To see the response to his words. To see if he even believed him.

...Because those missing eyes might just be the thing that would break Ed's trust in him. And Roy's determination not to lie to the boy, might just be their undoing.

"Edward, please. What I'm saying is that it allowed me to adopt you before the public could demand otherwise. Do you really think that I, with all my plans for the future, with all my womanising tendencies, would adopt you as a political move? What I've done is purely out ridiculously selfish reasons. I'm not suited to be a father. I should, frankly speaking, not even be allowed to be one. But I couldn't lose you two. I needed to know what was happening to you. To make sure that you were being taken care of. Which is why I needed to adopt you. Me kissing your cheek and your forehead and your temple is all just because I wanted to let you know that you matter. That people care about you. And I'm indebted to you, Ed. You've given me reason to stop leading such a shallow existence as what I'm known to do. You've given me someone to hug and to get hugged by... That last part might seem a bit odd, but I think that you understand it..."

The child in front of him had even more tears going down his cheeks as he gave a single, small nod.

Roy stroked away the new tears and lay back down, hugging Ed to his side again. The hard metal shoulder port was once again digging into his ribs, but he didn't care much. He was bruised and sore all over from Ed's attack in the hospital, then their midnight sparring session and then Teacher's training just yesterday. A bit more discomfort hardly mattered when the purpose of the hug was so much more important.

"'M sorry, Roy..." Ed said quietly, his lips trembling.

Roy sighed and pulled the young boy tighter to him. "Don't Ed, just don't... I don't blame you, I'd probably have been thinking the same way had I been in your situation. I only did it because I wanted to make sure that I'll get to spend as much time with you as I can. I'm using it so that I can do something other than leave you at home when you need me to be here."

Ed leant over his chest again, but then moved further up, climbing slightly as he put his hand on Roy's right cheek. He thought it was to use his hand as a lie detector once more. But it turned out to be so that he could locate Roy's cheeks.

...Just so that he could press a small kiss to his left one.

He froze at the feeling of those small, soft lips.

And he still sat there in shock as Edward went back to resting his cheek on his shoulder again, his hand now lying on Roy's right shoulder. "Th-thank you, Roy," came the small whisper.

Roy just looked down at him, hearing the gratefulness in the boy's voice.

...And once again that terrifying affection.

And then Ed paused too. "Did I... Did I do something wrong? You don't..." He suddenly sounded a lot more scared as he realised that Roy was still very tense as a result of his actions.

Roy sighed heavily and hugged the young boy tighter to him. "No, Ed... You didn't do anything wrong... It was just a bit unexpected..."

"Then why are you sighing?" Ed was obviously getting scared.

"Ed, you know that you're the first kid that has actually needed me as something else than a military officer?" Roy asked gently, feeling that insecure fear creeping in on him. Because he was following his rule about not lying to Ed. He wouldn't lie to the kid because Edward was blind. He wouldn't be able to lie without feeling like he was taking advantage of him, especially when Ed was so dependent on him.

And was so afraid of having Roy abuse his trust. Of having Roy leave him.

Ed didn't really seem to know how to respond to Roy's question. "I... I suppose so..." Even now he seemed to be afraid of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. And Roy's outburst a few minutes ago hadn't helped.

"And so I'm sighing because you're also the first kid to show me affection. And I still think that it's misplaced as hell, to be honest."

There was silence for about ten seconds, before Ed spoke again. Roy had been able to tell that the boy had wanted to make up his own mind about that last part. And so Roy had let him. Because Edward needed to be his own person. "But you're my Roy."

That wasn't exactly what Roy had expected him to say. "What do you mean, Ed?"

"I'm blind, and yet you're letting me see the one thing that nobody else does. People adapt their manner of being to who they're talking to. But I'm the only one who has seen this version of you. And this one, I like to... to think that it's my Roy... And I don't think that it's misplaced when it's my Roy who's receiving it. Had you just been "the Colonel" or "Mustang", then it wouldn't have been the same... But this one... This you... It's different and it's special and it's mine... And I hope..." The boy swallowed deeply, obviously afraid that he was making a huge mistake here. "And I hope that I... I'm y-your Ed... And that you... And that you l-like him... B-because... because he's..." His voice was suddenly reduced to a barely audible whisper. "Th-that he's... s-special to you t-too."

Roy suddenly had a small, nagging thought that this was turning into an unhealthy relationship. That Ed's dependency was beginning to become too much so. But Roy couldn't really know. Because Ed was making progress. He had eaten dinner downstairs as a show of gratitude, rather than just eating in the safe confines of Roy's bedroom. He had chosen to do the interview on his own. To not confer with Roy before that. So he could be making Roy into his anchor point so that he could feel safe as he made his way through the hardest moment of his life. After all, otherwise he'd just be drifting without direction or knowing where safety lay.

"Edward... Of course you are... How could you not be? If you weren't, then I wouldn't exactly have kissed your cheek." Roy felt awkward as he spoke. But Ed had also made the most personal declaration of his life, most likely. And so it was only fair that Roy be honest with him too, even if he had never really even considered it. "...And, come to think of it, you're definitely seeing a side of me that nobody else has. One that appears to constantly be making Pinako raise his eyebrows at me... Also because I'm really not a hugger... At least I don't think so..." He hugged the young boy tighter. "But I have to say that you're the exception."

His voice turned soft. A bit vulnerable. "Because I like having you around, Ed... You're not just a chore. There is a lot of things that aren't exactly practical or fun, but that's just what living is, anyways... You're a good kid. And I..." He decided to voice something that he had been thinking all day now. "I'm basically speechless about the fact that you'd choose to take my name. There are now three Mustangs in the country. One of them is the owner of a hostess bar in Central and an intelligence operative unlike any other... The second of them is the idiotic man with far too much blood on his hands and a very undeserved status as a war hero... And then there's you... And damn it if I don't feel honoured by it, kiddo."

"Th-thank you, Roy... I'm happy to be the third one..." came the small whisper.

Roy was startled awake at the sound of his phone on his nightstand ringing. He looked at the alarm clock next to it, finding that it was ten in the morning. Which meant that Teacher had obviously decided to give Roy a bit more of a break because of what had happened the previous day. They had all heard the interview last night while Roy sat in bed with Ed, which was most likely the reason for it.

And so Roy reached out for the phone with his free hand, grabbed it and brought it up to his ear, heart still hammering in his chest. Ed, however, just grunted and hugged Roy tighter in his half-asleep state. "This is Roy Mustang speaking."

"I hope I'm not interrupting you, Colonel Mustang," came the familiar voice that belonged to the Führer. "But I thought it was best to call you early in case you were going somewhere outside the house." His voice was good-natured. Casual.

"No, not at all, sir," Roy said, instantly wide awake at the identity of the caller.

"That's nice to hear. Well, you see, I've been thinking about our conversation yesterday, and I have come up with a further solution that I feel will benefit us all."

Roy had to say that he was confused and surprised, and part of him was wondering if this had anything to do with the interview from the previous afternoon. "What would that be, sir?"

"As you're more suited for a desk job for an unknown amount of time now, Colonel Mustang, I felt like you would do better with a position that is more adapted to both your new life as a single father, but also allows for you to employ your considerable talents as a State Alchemist."

Roy was almost getting a bad feeling about this. Like another one of those bittersweet gifts granted for promoting the military's reputation. "That sounds very good, sir, but what sort of position do you mean?"

"I have been looking for the past few months now, for someone suitable to replace the current officer in charge of the State Alchemist's office at Eastern Command. With how your reputation is changing, there should be much less complaint about you taking that position upon Colonel Yorke's transfer. I have no doubt that you will be doing a more than satisfactory job, and you being a family man with a need for a permanent position in East City without much to endanger your health, that should also serve to calm your sons' fears as well."

The offer sounded perfect, there was no doubt about that. More than perfect, actually. And it did make sense for Roy to be better qualified for it now with his current family situation and a lot less contempt and distrust from his fellow officers. "Thank you, sir, that sounds like the perfect position for me."

"I'm very glad to hear that you agree, Mustang. Which is why I have decided that when you'll be having that office for more than a decade, that it is going to be important for you to have all that you require in terms of residence. After all, the Hugheses and your own family will require a larger house that is easily adaptable for two toddlers and Edward's special needs as well. And so I have looked it up, and I have found that one of the houses that the military offers some of their more prominent officers, is very suitable for your situation. However, this house is also strictly reserved for generals, and as your new position also excludes such capable, young officers as yourselves from a promotion to Central in the near future, I find that it is only fitting that you both be rewarded for your actions regarding the Elrics. And so I am promoting both you and Lieutenant Colonel Hughes one rank each."

Roy froze, eyes widening considerably, his stomach clenching violently.

"Thank you, Führer Bradley, sir. I am truly honoured by your kindness and understanding." Roy spoke without actually knowing what else to say. He was gripping the phone tightly. Very tightly, trying to keep his breathing steady.

"With how much the two of you are sacrificing in order to take care of Edward and his brother, I feel that it is only right that you are rewarded for setting such an admirable example for your fellow officers. And a higher level of income will also mean that you'll have an easier time with future expenses that come with having children. However, your new position does require you to be at your office for three hours every day for the following three months, as it is a very important position that cannot just be done from home. After that, you will resume a normal amount of working hours. With the reduced stress of finding a new place of residence, I thought that that would be very beneficial to all of you. After all, it allows you to also bring your sons with you to the office, as well as Mrs. Hughes, which would provide them with a much-needed opportunity to socialise with a larger group of people on a daily basis."

Roy paused, but could see very clearly just how much better that would be for both Ed and Gracia's mental health. Especially with Roy's fears of Edward's tendencies to isolate himself and only be with Roy. Having him around people that he trusted for a few hours each day, would actually be better than how things were now. "Thank you, sir, that sounds like a very good arrangement. But might I request that I bring a group of five of my subordinates with me? Edward knows them and trusts them, which will help him."

"Of course, Mustang, that is no problem at all, you just take that up with Lieutenant General Grumman. And this also means that you do not need to hand in the request for home office, now that you will be making some new arrangements with the Lieutenant General for when you will be coming in to the office for the following three months. You will therefore be meeting him today at four, giving you plenty of time to familiarise yourselves with your new place of residence before that. General Grumman will be sending a pair of officers to show you to the property at one o'clock."

Roy was frankly stunned. Stunned, speechless, wondering slightly if the Führer truly was getting too old, and a fair few other things. "Thank you for taking such measures to provide us with an easier situation, sir."

Roy could hear the smile on the man's face. "There's no need to be so uptight, Mustang, you have both served the military well ever since you joined up, also including Edward. Your new uniforms and official letters of promotion will be arriving in two days, which means that you will be getting things in order from that point on, and then assume your new position the following day. General Grumman will also help make arrangements for the Hugheses and their moving from Central during your meeting at four. And so I hope you have a good day and that you'll find the property satisfactory, and please give my regards to both Edward and the Hugheses."

"I hope you have a good day too, sir. And thank you once again."

Once Roy put down the phone, he looked at the boy resting on his shoulder, and then picked up the object again, this time dialling Lieutenant General Grumman's office.

As soon as Roy said his name to the older officer, the man began chuckling. "I guess you received the call from Führer Bradley, Mustang?"

"Just as a matter of interest, General Grumman, do you know exactly how many people that have signed up between four o'clock yesterday afternoon and up till now?"

There was another round of laughs. "Last time I checked, the number was seven hundred and six. Congratulations upon your promotion, General Mustang."

Wrath looked down at the phone in front of him. He wasn't happy that their only confirmed sacrifice had gone and opened the Portal again. They couldn't be sure if the boy had now weakened his body up till the point that the amount of energy that they needed from a sacrifice, might just kill him instead. Which was why it was better to just keep the nosy Colonel Mustang and Maes Hughes away from Central so that they would be too busy to interfere with their plans. Roy Mustang would have been able to open the Portal, what with his alchemical skill, but now they could at least be certain that the man would be kept in the dark about everything. And without them even needing to keep an eye on him. And Maes Hughes had also proved himself to be very capable of drawing conclusions that would easily have turned him into an irksome pest.

So perhaps it was all for the best.

And in the meantime, there had been a great number of people signing up for the military, which meant that they might find sacrifices from the hordes of foolish altruists instead. And foolish altruists were very easily manipulated, especially as many would also be inspired to become State Alchemists as well after the youngest Mustang's speech. They still had two and a half years to find the necessary number of sacrifices. It should work out.

Roy was feeling lost.

Completely lost.

And Ed obviously had no clue as to what had just happened, judging by the way that he was drooling slightly on Roy's left bicep. It was apparent that Ed had only briefly woken up from the sound of the phone ringing...

...But once those sharp sounds were dead, Ed had just decided to be dead to the world again.

And Roy was happy about that part. Because after all that emotional exhaustion following the previous day's events, Edward definitely deserved some peace. And Roy's voice still had a very soothing effect on the boy.

But now he needed to find Maes, which meant that he leant over Ed's back and found Arnold. He quickly tucked Edward in again, the boy now hugging the plush sheep to him. Roy couldn't help but kneel down in front of him and stroke his hair gently before pressing a little kiss to his left cheek.

As he stood up and looked at himself in the wardrobe mirror, he couldn't help but shake his head with a little snort at the shiner that Ed had given him in the hospital.

Then the thought struck him about the promotion, and he ran his right hand through his hair disbelief. It made sense that the Führer wanted to have someone to permanently oversee the State Alchemist office in East City for years to come.

...And whom he could use to actually inspire new recruits in the Eastern Area. Because of the war in Ishbal, people were generally a lot less inclined to sign up, and especially as State Alchemists. With Roy being the new face of the State Alchemists of the Eastern Area, people would be far more trusting than with any other of Roy's predecessors. And with the Hero of the People speaking so highly of Roy... Speaking of him being such an outstanding officer when taking care of those around him... Well, he was certainly instilling a lot of faith in him as a leader of the State Alchemists in the region.

Basically, the country's leader was manipulative as heck, and he wanted to give Roy zero reason to leave Eastern Command Centre so as to having him keep promoting the place. And Roy would now go from occasionally recruiting people and just being present at some of the yearly assessments, to overseeing everything.

...But being promoted like this was still ridiculous.

And so he went over to his wardrobe, found himself a white T-shirt and a pair of pyjama trousers, before walking out into the hallway and making a brief detour to the bathroom.

After that, he headed straight for the stairs, followed by the living room, giving a curious Gracia and Sig the brief explanation "the Führer called," and then opened the door to the garden, finding Maes in pain on the grass.

Teacher stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, looking at him with a frown. "Is there something wrong, Roy?"

"The Führer called, I need a word with Maes, and this isn't something that can wait, Teacher."

She frowned even deeper at that as Maes sat up with a groan, his glasses having been confiscated as a safety precaution where they lay on the garden chair next to Roy. He walked forwards and handed them to his friend, the man rubbing the back of his head with his left hand, replacing his glasses with his right. "What's up, Roy?"

"The Führer called and then I felt a strong need to enquire just how many people had signed up since the interview yesterday... The number was seven hundred and six."

Maes whistled appreciatively. "So what's going on, then?"

"I'm being put in charge of the State Alchemist office at Eastern Command now that Colonel Yorke's getting that transfer he's been wanting for a while."

"So a desk job that fits you perfectly now that people are being a bit less hostile because you're now a family man whose love life is becoming considerably..." Maes teased, waiting for Roy to finish.

"...Dead," Roy said with a sigh. "But I'd still say that this is better... You must be rubbing off on me, Maes," he teased back.

His friend chuckled, although he was still rubbing his sore head. "What's more, though? You've been running your hands through your hair far too much for only being promoted to that position."

"We don't need to search for houses any more... We're being provided with one of the larger military estates. General Grumman's sending a couple of officers here at one o'clock to take us there to check it out." Roy still felt numb. This was completely unreal.

Maes was smiling. "Well, that saves us a lot of work, doesn't it?" But then he frowned. "But that's not the source of the state of your hair, is it?"

Roy shook his head. "The summary is basically that as it is very beneficial to all of the parties involved, especially our kids, that we stay here... But it also keeps such talented, young officers like ourselves from being promoted to Central... And so Führer Bradley's rewarding us in a way that sort of makes up for it... So a star and some stripes with a pin." Roy really couldn't get himself to say that he was going to become "Brigadier General Mustang" in just two days. It made him feel like an arrogant jerk if he said it out loud. Like he was bragging about his new rank. And so he tried to say it in the least obnoxious way that his dumbstruck mind could think of because the Führer had completely lost his marbles as Roy was twenty-seven.

Maes froze, staring up at him with wide eyes. "That's... I'll admit that that's a good reason for running your hands through your hair..."

And so it's review time! :)

wardenprincess: Thank you so much, and I'm so happy to hear you say that! It means a lot. :)

Lil'Sparrow7: Thank you! And I don't know if I should apologise or thank you a second time for almost making you cry! :)