All the Words Written

by The-Missing-Paige

Years after the events of Brotherhood, Edward and Roy have given into romance and are now living together. While trying to make the place a little tidier, Ed finds some letters from Roy to him that he's never seen before…and they remind him that he has some unsent letters of his own. Slow burn.

63. Chapter 63

Dearest Edward,

You have taken, lately, to infiltrating my dreams. While I'm not surprised by your persistence, it is frustrating. I find that I don't get much rest, with your face haunting my nights.

I don't mean to sound as though I'm complaining; I'm not exactly upset about this latest development. In some ways, I welcome sleep knowing it will bring me closer to you for a few sweet hours. Only upon waking, I feel such loss…and only a frankly concerning amount of caffeine cures the lingering drowsiness.

With the work I'm trying to accomplish, one cannot afford to be anything less than awake.

We've successfully rounded up most (if not all) of the Ishvalans that have been wandering Amestris since the war. Thankfully, they are a reasonable people; while they are not happy with the past, we've had minimal trouble presenting them with a second chance. Of course, there are dissenters who believe this is nothing more than a trap. Frankly, though, when I go to talk to their leaders, the haunted look in my eyes convinces them that I've nothing but pure intentions.

Now comes the part of developing the nation once more. Only when the Ishvalans are self-sufficient can they truly be an independent people again. That's no small task, but we are starting the process.

So, can you see why I desperately need my sleep?

Why is, then, that I've started to long for those unconscious hours that I know will yield little energy? Try as I might to forget everything else in favor of my work, I cannot be rid of you, Ed. Even without being here physically, you manage to make a pest of yourself!

And of course, I mean that in the most affectionate way possible.

Ever yours,

Roy