Here it is, as promised, the newest chapter of "The Plunge"! This may be the first time I've actually set a date for a chapter release and then met that due date lol.

Because of the Corona Virus we've been quarantined for around two months. Because of this the event I was going to take part in was cancelled and that gave me time to work on this story. The event has been pushed back to June, so there may be a small hiatus around that time so I can prepare for the event once again.

The next chapter will probably be uploaded by the middle, closer to the end, of May. Because the chapters are now a combination of chapters it takes a little more time to write, type, then edit them. I'm doing the work of three chapters at once now instead of just one at a time. I'm getting better at this layout and it will save a lot of time in the long run. One small complaint from "Scattered" was that the story was just too unnecessarily long and drawn out. I'm trying not to make that mistake again and so this story won't have nearly as many chapters.

I'd say that with this chapter now uploaded we are now at around the halfway point of the story. I'm still not sure how many more chapters there will be but the story is pretty close to being halfway done. I hope you guys like the new chapter layouts because they're starting to grow on me as well.

I want to thank each and everyone of you who has taken the time to read this story. I'm always super grateful for any support I get on this project. Every favorite, follow, and review is so appreciated. I love to hear everyone's feedback and it makes me happy to know that people are enjoying the story. Thank you all so much, I really do appreciate every single one of you.

Enjoy and see you all in the next chapter! :3

Chapter 10

The hospital was quiet as the sun began to sink lower in the sky. Mustang could hear the nurses talking from the hallway, though their words were too soft to make out. Alphonse sat across from him, his brother's empty bed separating them. Neither had spoken much in the half hour or so since the doctors had taken Edward back for his surgery.

Mustang raised his head to look towards the younger brother. Al had hardly said anything the whole day; it was as though he were lost in thought. Even after his brother had woken up an hour or two before the surgery the armored boy had kept to himself. The colonel could remember Ed's confusion and concern for Al, asking his brother questions only to get short or vague answers.

"I hope he's not mad at me still." Edward had whispered softly to Mustang when Alphonse had left the room to talk to one of the nurses. "I never meant to hurt him."

"He knows that Edward," The colonel said in a soothing voice. "He must have something else on his mind."

"Could you please ask him what's wrong for me?" The injured boy spoke quietly, sadness in his voice.

"I'll ask him when they take you back for the surgery." Mustang had begun to gently run his fingers through Ed's tangled hair, the boy letting out a contented sigh.

"Thank you…"

With the sound of the elder brother's grateful voice echoing through his head he looked towards Alphonse. "Al?" He spoke in a soft voice, hoping not to startle the boy.

Alphonse still jumped slightly at the sound of the colonel's voice, seeming so lost in thought that he had forgotten he was there. He raised his head, eyes fixed on the man who had broken his silent contemplation. "Yes Mustang?"

"How are you holding up?" Mustang asked, watching as Al cocked his head to one side.

"What do you mean?" Al asked, obviously confused by the question.

"You've barely spoken all day," The colonel explained. "Do you have something on your mind?"

"Oh," Al said in a quiet voice. "No, I mean yes, it's nothing though, really."

"You know your brother is worried about you." Mustang said gently, watching as the younger brother twitched and began to fidget.

"He should worry more about himself." Al looked down at the unoccupied bed, "But that's brother for you. He's always worried more about how others are doing."

"That still doesn't answer the question." The colonel kept his voice low and gentle. "He doesn't seem to be the only brother that does that." Al looked back up at him in surprise as he continued. "It's alright to worry about yourself every once and awhile. It doesn't mean you need to suffer in silence, your feelings matter as much as your brothers."

Alphonse ducked his head slightly, as though embarrassed, but even he could see sense in the colonel's words. "It's just stupid of me to feel this way. I guess I'm just jealous of how close you and brother are now. I mean he only slept so well because you were by his side the whole time…"

Mustang thought back to earlier in the day, when he had woken up to Edward curled so close to him that he had no clue how to untangle himself without waking the sleeping boy up.

The injured boy's head had been buried deep into his neck, his left hand clenched into the colonel's shirt above his chest. He remembered being surprised that Ed hadn't ended up completely off his own bed. It had seemed as though the boy had been planning to use Mustang as his mattress. The only thing keeping that from happening was the bulky cast on his right leg, which had wedged itself between the small gap left between the bed and the cot.

"Maybe if I wasn't just an empty suit of armor he would rely on me more. I hate that this body can't give him the warmth and comfort he needs." Al hung his head, shaking it with shame and sadness.

"Alphonse, it's okay to have these thoughts and feelings," Mustang stood up and sat on the bed in front of the armored boy. "In all honesty if you weren't here with him and it was just me he'd be much more upset. Your brother cares deeply for you Al, when you left the room last night he was so upset."

Alphonse looked up at him, his soulful gaze burning into the colonel's.

"When you left to talk to a nurse before his surgery he was worried you were still upset about last night. He was scared to ask you himself because he felt so guilty." The colonel continued, placing a reassuring hand on Al's armor, even if the boy couldn't feel the touch.

Alphonse let out a small sob and leaned into Mustang, who instinctively wrapped his arms around the armor as best he could. The younger brother's body shook as his soul cried tearlessly into Mustang's shoulder.

"Thank you," He whispered. "Thank you for being here, not just for me but brother too. We've never had a fatherly figure to turn to for help. If you weren't here I don't know if I could stay strong. It hurts me to see him in so much pain."

"It's okay," The colonel soothed, patting the armored boy's back. "I'm here for both of you."

Al continued to shake, sobs echoing through his hollow body, for a few more minutes. Eventually the younger brother calmed down, taking his head out of Mustang's shoulder. He looked at the colonel, eyes glowing brighter than they had been earlier.

"Thank you." The younger boy whispered gratefully.

"No problem Al," He said affectionately, patting Alphonse's head. "I care for both of you; I don't want to see either of you suffer."

"I'm very grateful to you Mustang. Brother and I have only had each other for so long. It's nice to be able to rely on someone who knows more about this world than us."

Mustang smiled, glad to have put Alphonse at east. "Is there anything else on your mind?"

"Not right now, thank you for listening." Al said in a voice full of relief.

"Anytime Alphonse," The colonel and Al sat in a contented silence for a few more minutes until commotion in the hallway grabbed their attention. The two of them looked up to see a few nurses wheeling Edward in. Mustang got up from the bed, sitting down in the chair across from Al and the bed as the doctor followed the nurses in.

"The surgery went very well," The same doctor, who had explained the procedure the day before, said. "He just needs bed rest until his other injuries heal. He should be asleep the rest of the day and if he has trouble falling asleep tonight we can give him something to help with the pain."

"Thank you doctor," Mustang said, watching as the nurses transferred Ed from the gurney and onto the bed. They were very gentle as they moved the equipment attached to the boy, placing the machines back to where they had been before the surgery. When they finished, the nurses and doctor left the room, leaving the colonel and Alphonse alone.

"Al, I've a favor to ask of you." Mustang spoke as he stood up from his seat. The armor boy looked up from his brother's sleeping form.

"What is it Mustang?" He asked calmly.

"If you could watch over Edward for me while I go home to get a shower and a few other things I'd be very grateful." Alphonse nodded, casting a quick glance towards the colonel's very wrinkled shirt and letting out a small snort of laughter.

"Of course, hopefully brother will be awake by then." Mustang smiled back gratefully as he cast one last glance at the injured boy lying in the bed before him.

Edward looked small with all the equipment attached to him. He was still connected to an IV and heart monitor as well as oxygen, thought the doctors had swapped the oxygen mask for a less bulky cannula that rested beneath both nostrils. The boy looked pale but Mustang chalked that up to an after effect of the surgery.

"I'll be back in an hour or two, thank you once again Al." Alphonse looked up at him and nodded before he returned his attention to his sleeping brother. Mustang then left the room, hoping that all would be as well as it had been before he left.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Mustang looked over the clothes he had laid out over his bed, wondering which ones would be best for his extended stay by Edward's side. He didn't have much in the way of casual clothes; most of his shirts were button down, though he did have a few old pajama tops buried in a dresser somewhere. The truth was that he slept without a shirt most of the time, only keeping one on during particularly cold nights or after a long day of work. Though sleeping shirtless in the hospital was probably not a good idea, he mused.

With a small sigh the colonel moved toward an old dresser that was kept in the far corner for clothes he barely used. As he opened one of the drawers dust flew into the air, causing him to sneeze. Just another sign that reminded him that he should take the time to properly sort through his old clothes when he got the chance.

He rummaged through the drawers, not finding much that hadn't been worn down over time. Most of the shirts and sweatpants had become nothing more than moth food, riddled with holes and covered in a thin layer of dust. With an irritated grunt Mustang closed the drawer, silently cursing himself for digging through a dusty dresser so soon after taking his shower.

As he began to pack a bag with the few comfortable clothes he owned a thought occurred to him. He had never updated Hawkeye on Edward's condition. Guilt flashed through him as he remembered how he had abruptly ended the phone call with her days earlier. She had been just as concerned as he was, asking him to update her when he got the chance.

After Mustang packed his bag he headed down the stairs, dropping the bag at the bottom as he made his way to the phone. The phone was located by an old chair that sat on the border that separated his kitchen from his living room. He walked through the dimly lit living room and, after nearly tripping over a small end table, sat down heavily in the chair by the phone. As he picked up the receiver he cast a glance at the clock in his kitchen. He let out a frustrated breath when he realized it was later in the evening. Maybe the lieutenant had stayed behind at the office later than everyone else.

The colonel called the office number that had ingrained itself into his head long ago. As the phone rang he mused that maybe he was wrong in his assumption that the lieutenant was still there. But after four rings he was shocked to hear a voice at the end of the line.

"Hello, this is lieutenant Hawkeye answering for colonel Mustang. If you have a message for the colonel-"

"It's me lieutenant," Mustang cut off her professional tone before she could continue the greeting.

"Oh, hello colonel," He could hear the surprise in her voice, but she quickly composed herself as she continued. "I'm surprised that you of all people would be calling the office this late."

The colonel let out a small laugh, "Well I'm surprised that you're still there at this hour."

"Someone has to actually do work here sir, with you gone I have to do yours as well as my own." Hawkeye teased lightly.

"Sorry about that, things have been a little hectic over here as well." Mustang truly did feel bad for leaving the lieutenant to do his own tedious work.

"It's fine sir. How has Edward been doing?" The colonel let out a small sigh as he thought about all that had happened in the past few days.

"Well his vision still hasn't returned and it probably won't for some time. After our last call he had to be rushed back into surgery because a broken rib punctured his liver. The poor kid has had more surgeries in the last few days than I've had in my life."

"How has he been holding up emotionally? It must be hard to stay positive in a situation like his." Hawkeye's voice was quiet and full of sympathy as Mustang continued.

"He's taken the loss of his sight hard. Just the other night he thought his nightmares were reality. His personality has changed so drastically because of his injuries. The old Edward would have been able to deal with those thoughts on his own. Now he doesn't want me to leave his side, it's just so surreal."

"From what you told me about his concussion I'm sure that his brain is just as damaged as his whole body. Both his physical and mental health should heal with time." Despite the lieutenant's soothing words he still felt torn. Part of him knew that, but the other part worried that Edward would never truly be the same.

"Last night he regained the memory of how he was injured. I've never seen him so scared, he even started hallucinating. What if he develops a long term mental illness because of the trauma?" Though Mustang had to admit he knew little to nothing on how the brain accurately worked he couldn't rule out that possibility. The truth was that some mental illnesses were taken very seriously in the military. He wasn't sure how he'd be able to preserve Edward's position as a state alchemist if that were to happen.

"It's only been a few days since his injury, given time I'm sure he'll be alright. Don't give up hope on him just yet. Who was it who told me that he saw fire burning in those weary eyes all those years ago?" The lieutenant's light and gentle teasing tone put the colonel at ease. It was like she knew exactly what to say to get him back from the edge of panic.

"You're right, though when you say it that way it makes me feel old!" Both of them chuckled lightly at that, the knot of worry that had made its presence known for days seemed to unravel slowly.

"I've been looking into Edward's case," Hawkeye's voice returned to its normal business like tone. "The officers are trying to find the man that did this to him."

"Do they have any leads?" Mustang was instantly alert, paying close attention to each word.

"They've taken statements from the original victim and a few others that were in the area. We have no real description; most of the people interviewed didn't get a good enough look at him. The girl's description of him could be said about anyone. I'm worried that whoever did this may walk free."

The colonel let out a low growl. "I will not allow that man to get away. I'll take it into my own hands if necessary." He hadn't felt such protective anger in his life; it was like a burning deep within his being.

"That is why I have taken over the case, sir." Hawkeye remained calm, her voice smooth as she continued. "Havoc and Fuery are already looking for more leads. Falman has been browsing through past incidents in the area. Breda has been in touch with the military police and has access to all evidence in the case." The lieutenant's voice lowered into an icy tone, one that put all her normally detached emotions to the forefront. "You aren't the only one who wants justice for Edward, sir."

Mustang smiled. "I've always known that my trust in you and the others was never misplaced."

"I know sir," The lieutenant was calm and composed once again. "It's getting late though and I must be getting home. Give Edward and Alphonse my regards. Goodnight colonel, keep in touch."

"I will, goodnight lieutenant." Mustang let out a small sigh as he heard the other end of the line go dead. So his men were looking hard into finding Edward's attacker. He knew he should never have doubted them.

As the colonel made his way back through his living room, to retrieve his fallen bag at the bottom of the stairs, a certain item draped over the back of his couch caught his attention. An idea struck him as he made his way over to it, maybe this item would bring some comfort to Edward.

Mustang grabbed the fabric and draped it over his shoulder before collecting his bag. Another thought accrued to him, something that would give comfort to the younger brother as well. He grabbed the few books he kept lying around his living room, knowing a few centered around alchemy, and threw them into his bag.

Satisfied that he had not forgotten anything else, Mustang made his way out of his house and into the light of the setting sun.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Alphonse sat quietly beside Edward, who was still sleeping peacefully. In the time that the colonel had left, his brother had barely stirred. Now as Al looked out the window, seeing the street lamps slowly begin to glow, he just hoped that Ed would stay asleep until Mustang returned. The younger brother didn't know how the injured boy would react to the colonel leaving, even if it had been for just a few hours.

He had known from a young age how his brother handled rejection. He knew how he hated their father for leaving, though sometimes Al had seen his brother crying alongside their mother. Ed's way of coping was anger, always hiding the sadness and hurt behind his rage. Even when dealing with the colonel sometimes his brother would come back from a meeting with bloodshot eyes, though Al had never seen his brother actually cry.

"Oh brother, why can't you just be normal and not try to hide behind your anger? Sometimes it's okay to drop the tough guy act and let your true emotions out." Alphonse spoke gently to his brother, knowing that Ed wouldn't react. It just felt good to let out his small frustrations even if he knew no one would hear.

Alphonse looked over his brother's sleeping form once more, taking in the sight of tubes and wires that ran out from various parts of his body. The heart monitor had stayed at a steady level; the beeping was almost unnoticed by Al anymore. It had just become another sound that faded into the background with time.

Edward looked pale though, and his breath rattled in his chest. Al chalked that up to the healing lung puncture, hoping with all his being that his brother wasn't coming down with something serious. At this point it seemed like even the smallest of ailments could be the final straw.

Al shook himself, stopping his thoughts from drifting off into the idea that Edward might actually die. Sure his brother was no stranger to injuries and hospital stays, but this was so much different. His poor brother looked so frail, like he could fade away at any moment.

A low groan broke Alphonse from those thoughts. Edward began to stir, his eyes slowly opening to reveal glazed over amber irises.

"Alphonse…? Colonel…?" His brother asked in a thin and strained voice. His eyes began to dart around the room even though he still couldn't see.

"Brother, I'm right here. Everything is fine." He brushed a few stray strands of golden hair away from his brother's face. Ed let out a sigh and turned his blind gaze towards where he thought his younger brother was.

"I'm so glad you're here." Edward leaned into his touch, a faint smile parting his lips. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Alphonse felt happiness flood through him. His brother still wanted him near, even if he was just a lifeless hunk of metal. "You know I'd never leave you."

"I know, I just want you to know how much I love you." Al almost let out a laugh. His brother rarely talked like this, his concussion must have brought his hidden feelings to the surface, Alphonse mused.

"I love you too brother." The younger brother said gently, his soulful eyes focused on Ed. He was about to say more when his brother began to cough, his body shaking with each one.

"Brother, are you okay?" Alphonse grasped Edward by his shoulders, hoping that none of the equipment attached to him would disconnect. His brother stopped coughing and took in a deep, rasping breath.

"I'm fine," He croaked. "It must have been some dust or something." Though Ed's tone was light and dismissive Al could tell that his brother felt worse than he was letting on.

"Brother-"

"Alphonse," He was interrupted as Ed let out a rasping breath. "Where is the colonel?"

His brother's question caught him off guard; he could tell he was trying to change the subject. "He went home to get a few things; he should be back soon…" Al trailed off as his brother's eyes went wide and he began to tremble.

"He…He left?" Ed's voice sounded so broken that Alphonse flinched. "He's gone?"

"Brother he'll be back any minute, he just-"He was cut off again as Edward's breathing became quick and shallow. Al could see tears forming in his brother's eyes.

"Dad did the same thing…" He wheezed, letting out a few short coughs. "Dad left too…He never came back…"

"Brother, please calm down. You're going to end up hurting yourself." Alphonse was beginning to feel panic creep its way into his mind. Edward was still straining to get up, but he was too weak to hold himself up. His breathing had worsened and the heart monitor began to beep faster. Al had no idea how to calm his brother down.

As Alphonse began to feel himself give into the panic clouding his mind a figure standing in the doorway caught his attention. He felt like he could die of relief when he recognized the shape as the colonel.

"What's happening? Is Edward okay?" Mustang dropped the large bag he was carrying and rushed to Ed's side. Al could see the fear shining in the older man's eyes.

"He began to panic when he found out you had left." Alphonse answered quickly as his brother snapped his head in the colonel's direction.

"Colonel…"Ed sounded like he was about to cry, his voice thin and shaking.

"It's okay, I'm here Edward." Mustang held the injured boy's flesh had tightly, hoping the touch would calm him. "I'm not going anywhere."

His brother's breathing was still ragged, but the heart monitor slowed in its erratic beeping as Ed gradually calmed down. He let out a few quick coughs as his eyes darted around the room.

"Edward? Are you alright?" The colonel asked anxiously. His brother didn't respond and Al began to panic. As Mustang gently touched Ed's cheek he seemed to recoil in shock.

"What's wrong?" Alphonse asked, looking at the older man, trying to fight back the panic that was rising inside him.

"His fever is back." If Al had a body of flesh and blood he would have checked for himself. But he could tell by the look in the colonel's eyes that he was just as worried.

"Colonel?" Edward's weak and raspy voice broke them both out of their worrying thoughts. They looked back down at Ed, his eyes were still glassy and neither of them were sure the boy was fully aware of his surroundings.

"Yes Edward?" Mustang kept his voice calm as he knelt beside the boy's bed. "What is it?"

"P-Promise not to leave…" Ed's voice was quiet and his eyes were looking at the ceiling. "Please…Don't leave like…Like he did…"

"I promise to stay at your side. I only left to grab a few things from home so I can stay here with you." The colonel paused as though a thought had struck him. He let go of the boy's hand and quickly raced to his bag that was still lying in the doorway.

Edward seemed as though he was about to panic again but Mustang was back in a flash.

"I brought you something." In his hands he held a small quilt; each square of it seemed to have a different pattern and fabric. The older man draped it over Edward, who began to run his hands over it in an attempt to figure out what it was.

"It's a quilt my mother made for me when I was young." Nostalgia flickered in the colonel's eyes at the memory. "She said that each square of fabric held a different story. I'd stay up at night and try to figure out each one. I know you can't see right now but maybe you can make up stories just by touch."

Ed held the quilt close, pulling part of it over the bottom half of his face. His left hand was slowly touching the squares, it seemed almost as though he was concentrating on it. Edward let out a few small coughs but he seemed calmer than before.

Mustang moved back to his cot that was on the other side of the bed. He placed his hand over Ed's and gently guided it over the various fabrics. "You should get some rest Edward." The colonel whispered gently, "You'll feel better when you wake up."

As though actually following his superior's command, Edward's eyes closed. His breath evened out, though it still seemed to rasp in his chest. Mustang placed his hand to the boy's head, frowning as he looked up at Al.

"I'm worried about his fever," He said, withdrawing his hand from Ed's forehead. "He's way too warm; I'll have to go ask a nurse to look him over."

"They did say that brother had a cold. Maybe it's just that then?" Mustang shot Alphonse a doubtful look, letting out a small sigh.

"If he gets any worse I'll talk to someone, you might be right about this." Even though the colonel still looked worried he just let out a sigh, turning his attention back to Edward. Suddenly he looked up at Al, a small smile on his face.

"I almost forgot to tell you that I brought along some books for you." Mustang cocked his head towards his bag. "A few are alchemy books, there may be a stray fictional story or two that Hughes left at my house."

"Thank you Mustang," Al was touched that the colonel had thought about his wellbeing as well as his brother's. The armored boy moved over to the bag, looking through the titles on the books. Quite a few were alchemy books, one seemed to be a paranormal story, and one made Alphonse laugh aloud.

"What?" Mustang glanced over at Al as he held up the book that had elicited such a response.

"Is this a romance novel?" The colonel blushed when he saw the cover, which depicted a beautiful woman with roses in her flowing hair.

"Damn it Hughes! Why must he bring that stuff over anyway? I swear he does it just to embarrass me!" Alphonse laughed as he set down the book, putting it back into the bag. He most definitely did not want to read that one.

"Sure Mustang, it must be Mr. Hughes playing a prank." Al teased lightly, receiving a mock angry fist in the air from the colonel. A few coughs from Ed quickly brought them back to reality. The reality that Edward was seriously injured and might have begun to develop an illness to top it off.

Alphonse just wished that one day soon, he and his brother could laugh so carefree. He hoped that day would come sooner than he thought it would.