Yes, I know. I did it again. Look, this one was an old one I never finished so I was just like, eh what the heck? They're just really fun to write, okay? And i'm a bit obsessed. Don't judge me. In no way is this romantic so yall who think so...get your head out of the gutter my friend. Also, for those of you who read Ruins of forgotten memories and wondered why I took it down, I just thought I could have done so much better. SO! ON WITH THE STORY!

I DO NOT OWN FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST

Edward sat down in his seat, drumming his fingers against his automail leg in annoyance. Across from him sat the flame alchemist himself, giving his subordinate an equally annoyed look. It was clear neither of them wished to sit in the same train for 5 hours straight, much less across from each other. Edward shifted his gaze to look outside the window he was up against, wishing that his brother was there. However, the higher ups had made it clear that Ed and Mustang were the only ones allowed on this mission. Edward had bickered with his brother about going the night before, his sibling repeatedly telling him he was fine and he should go with Roy. Ed, on the other hand, absolutely loathed the very idea of being in the same perimeter as the colonel for more than 20 minutes. And much like the youngest member of his team, Roy wasn't too fond of the idea either.

"I'm not too pleased with this decision either Fullmetal," Roy informed the young man sitting across from him, interrupting Ed's thoughts. Ed scoffed and rolled his eyes. Sure. He fully expected the colonel to make fun of him or make snarky remarks the whole train ride. Roy's expectations weren't far off from Eds, having expected his subordinate to be a pain in the butt the entire ride.

"I wonder what Hawkeye would think if she heard how much paperwork you actually do," Ed replied, glaring at Mustang. Roy returned the glare but didn't say more. The train began to slowly move forwards before gaining speed, its horn blaring through the misty morning. Ed returned his gaze to the window as the train left the station.

Surprisingly, very few words passed between the two for the first hour. Besides a few glares or annoyed glances they didn't interact much either. Ed had his forehead pressed up against the window, sleep slowly creeping on him. He hadn't gotten much rest the night before, resulting in his fatigue. But he wasn't sure if he should fall asleep with Roy around. The thought of sleeping in his superiors presence seemed…..well just plain wrong.

Roy looked over at Ed, watching as the kids eyes fell shut for a few seconds before snapping open once again. He obviously didn't want to fall asleep for some unknown reason. Though Roy didn't want to admit it, this was a rather worrying prospect. He watched as the kid shifted uncomfortably, glancing at him.

"Why are you staring at me?" Edward snapped, glaring at Mustang. His head was starting to hurt. Mustang shook his head.

"Nothing," Roy replied, looking away from Ed. Ed raised an eyebrow, studying Roy for a few seconds before once again turning to look out the train window. Mustang could have sworn he heard him mutter, "Creep...".

Another hour passed and Ed's headache had gotten much worse. What was a simple headache had turned into a full on migraine, pain throbbing and pounding mercilessly against his skull. He threw up his hood, suddenly finding his eyes to be rather sensitive to the sunlight currently streaming through the window. Edward pressed his forehead up against the cool glass, hoping the movement would somehow calm his agony.

He couldn't seem to get into a comfortable position no matter how he shifted, all hopes of getting at least another hour of rest snached away from him. The only thing he was grateful for was the fact that mustang kept his mouth shut. However, Ed would catch the colonel watching him out of the corner of his eye for a second before Roy quickly averted his eyes.

Roy looked away due to the fact that Ed had caught him watching him again. But, after waiting a few minutes his gaze returned to the young alchemist. The poor kid would constantly shift and close his eyes forcefully, probably hoping to fall asleep but failing each time. After watching him for a while Mustang suddenly got an idea. But he wasn't sure if Ed would follow. Well, it was worth a try.

"Fullmetal," Edward looked up at Mustang, Glaring slightly. What'd he want now? Probably to make some snarky remark about his constant squirming in his seat. For about the thousandth time that hour, Ed wished his younger brother was with him. However, Roy didn't say anything. He simply tapped the space beside him. Edward's eyes widened slightly. Was this jerk trying to be nice for once?

"Why?" Edward growled slightly, his voice holding more suspicion then hostility. Mustang sighed.

"Just do it," Roy said. Ed cocked his head, studying his superior. He looked around a bit nervously before slowly getting up and shifting to sit down by Roy. Admittedly, he felt embarrassed despite that fact that he was invited to sit there. Ed was tense, not really sure what to do now. Roy, on the other hand, didn't know either. He...hadn't really planned this far, thinking the kid would simply snap at him and return to gazing out the window. Though, he was glad Edward hadn't fought with him. The kid was obviously tired and he knew what hiding a headache looked like, having been guilty of the same action many times before.

Edward pulled his legs up and rested his head on his knees, trying to ignore the constant pain jabbing at his head. Fortunately, sitting by Mustang had its perks. From where he was positioned, the Colonels body was blocking the sunlight, relieving him of his sensitivity to light problem.

However, this just seemed to be his "lucky" day. He didn't get motion sickness much, if at all. So, when he felt nausea begin to build up in his stomach, he wondered if he was getting sick. But of course, Mustang didn't need to know anything about that. Instead, he shut his eyes and buried his head further into his knees. Why of all days, hours, minutes, or even seconds did this have to happen to him now!?

Despite his efforts to hide his misery, Mustang knew better. There was no way in oblivion that Edward was ever going to admit he was feeling unwell to anyone besides his brother. Even then, it was a rare occurrence. Though the kid was no longer squirming in his seat, his stillness yet occasional fidget was all the more unsettling.

He silently wondered if he should check the boys tempt. He wasn't sure whether he should follow through with this action, seeing as he had a large chance of losing his hand to a teenager who may, or may not actually bite. After a moment of contemplating his choices, he raised a hand and snagged hold of the tip of his glove using his teeth, slipping the white garment off.

He shifted slightly so he was facing Edward, extended his ungloved hand and resting it against his subordinate's forehead. A few seconds passed before Edward comprehended the motion and, just as Mustang had expected, literally snapped at the man's hand.

Luckily, Mustang had managed to retract his hand before his young accomplice could strike. He slid his glove back on well Ed glared murderously towards him.

The kid definitely had a fever of some sorts. Granted, it was pretty low grade, but a fever nonetheless.

"What the heck was that for!?" The teenager hissed furiously.

"I was simply checking your temperature," Roy replied, watching quietly as the flare in the young man's temper calmed as quickly as it had appeared.

After slipping off his glove on his flesh hand, Ed set his palm against his forehead.

"You can't feel it yourself, Fullmetal," Mustang deadpanned. Edwards shoulders slumped as he donned his glove once again with a mumbled hmph. He glanced up at the man expectantly.

"Hm?"

"Well. Do I have a fever or not?"

"Oh. Faintly, but yes," Mustang answered. Edward sighed quietly, leaning back in his seat and letting his eyes fall shut. To say he looked exhausted, was a rather large understatement. He was curled up in a ball, his long bangs falling across his tightly shut eyes. He had thrown his hood up, mostly likely hoping to shield his eyes from the sunlight. Roy couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for the young man.

Unfortunately, he couldn't do much for him currently. So, he returned his gaze to the window besides him.

Half an hour passed, neither saying a word to each other. Edward had found himself in a half asleep state, becoming oblivious to his surroundings. Unlike his subordinate, Mustang had fallen asleep without much trouble.

The train suddenly jerked, causing Edward to fall limply to the side. His head came to rest on Mustangs shoulder, waking the man.

Roy raised his head, glancing around in question as to what had woke him. His onyx eyes fell upon the blond slumped against his shoulder. Mustang could only stare in utter shock, wondering what he was supposed to do. After a second he concluded the kid was out like light. He briefly considered nudging the kid awake, but he knew his subordinate was in desperate need of some proper sleep.

Great. I just have to act as a pillow for the next four and a half hours.

The Colonel inwardly sighed, deciding to accept his fate.

Edward subconsciously snuggled into his superior's side, resulting in Mustang instantly becoming rigid. However, after a minute, he let a smile spread across his features.

The Colonel gently brushed Eds golden bangs aside, studying his calm features. Once asleep, the kid looked so much more...innocent. As if he hadn't gone through hell and back at such a young age. The world was so cruel..yet Ed and his brother were determined to push through the pain and keep moving until they achieved their goals. Both boys held courage and wisdom beyond their years, seeing these gifts as both a blessing, but a curse all the same.

Mustang himself had learned so much from them than any other alchemist could teach, and not just in knowledge. He had come to admire the two brothers, but fear for their safety at times. Especially Edward...The young man could be incredibly reckless at times.

Roy relaxed his nerves, resting his head on top of his subordinates and shutting his eyes. The kid was going to be beyond enraged when he woke up, but at least he could postpone the screaming for now.

With that, the Colonel fell asleep.