Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Fullmetal Alchemist nor do I claim to.

Chapter 7

Alphonse was starting to worry as the day went on. He knew Edward was out looking for Envy, but he didn't like how he just left like that. Edward was so irrational sometimes, he knew that, but the whole thing with Envy made Alphonse anxious. He knew Envy did feel something for his brother, but how genuine was it, he couldn't say. Only time would tell, and he hoped Edward wasn't going to end up getting hurt. He would really have some choice words for Envy if he were to hurt his brother.

"So, what is this place anyway?" Edward finally asked, looking around the dingy single-roomed shelter of Envy's.

"It's mine. I made it, because I needed a place to get away." He shrugged nonchalantly.

"To get away from what?" Edward inquired, his inquisitive eyes flitting quickly between each of Envy's eyes, trying to figure him out.

Envy broke eye contact, looking away as he pondered his response. He suddenly felt put on the spot. He was still wary of telling Edward too much, but he figured since he had been banished... what was he protecting anymore?

"From Mother. And the other homunculi." He said quietly, almost too quietly for Edward to hear.

"Mother?" Edward repeated, looking a little confused. "You all have a Mother?"

"Well, yes and no. It's not that simple." Envy scowled, thinking of the best way to explain it without letting his true origins slip.

Edward sighed, seeing the walls go up behind Envy's eyes once again. He understood why Envy didn't entirely trust him, given their history, though he wondered how long it would take the other to truly open up to him.

Envy glanced up from his scowl, noticing Edward's thoughtful, but slightly hurt look. He couldn't exactly just spill his guts to the Pipsqueak now, at least not all of them. There are some things better left unknown, in Envy's opinion.

Though, ultimately Envy decided to throw Edward a bone, seeing as how Hag-Face all but disowned him. He began to explain how he and the other homunculi had come to be. He detailed how he and his 'siblings' were ordered to run missions for Mother and essentially earn their keep in the ever tiresome quest to find immortality, which in Envy's not-so-humble opinion was silly since he already had it and it definitely was not all it was cracked up to be.

Though he did not speak Dante's name, cryptically referring to her as 'Mother' and 'That-Old-Hag', he did reveal that he was originally her real son until she decided to dispose of him and bring him back as a superior being. He conveniently left out the details that Hohenheim was actually the one to bring him back as a homunculus, attempting to bring his son back to life but failing, as all foolish alchemists do when they attempt human transmutation. Envy merely let Edward assume it was Mother who created him. No need to open up that can of worms just yet.

Of course, Envy hadn't quite thought things very far ahead and ended up opening an entirely different can of worms instead. He was so concerned with keeping his identity as Edward's half brother that he overlooked one crucial detail.

By the time Envy had finished explaining, Edward seemed like he was no longer in his body. What was wrong with him? The look on his face was pretty priceless, in Envy's opinion, and he cracked an unsympathetic smirk.

"If homunculi are created by failed human transmutations then... but that means... no... Mom." He had put two and two together. Edward mumbled incoherently, ignoring Envy entirely now. This caused Envy to raise his brow in question, and he opened his mouth to say something.

"So it's true." Edward kept on, and began pacing the small room, not giving Envy a chance to respond at all. "Do you know who she is? Have you seen her?" He looked slightly hopeful, in a morbid way though. In a way of someone who is desperate to see someone they've lost just one more time.

Envy frowned at Edward's pain-stricken ramblings, but then his eyes widened with realization. Oops, he'd said too much after all.

"No." He said harshly enough to snap Edward out of his trance. "And even if I did I wouldn't tell you." He half-lied, suspecting exactly which homunculus would have been his Mother. It was the only one it could be, since she was only a few years old. It had to be Sloth. But Envy wasn't about to get himself in the middle of that shit, no siree. He'd already done enough damage, and now he was beginning to regret telling the blonde that much.

"Whatever she is now, she's not your mother any longer. Most homunculus don't retain any of their human memories anyway."

Edward looked hard at Envy. "Do you?"

Envy stopped, his lips forming a thin line. "This isn't about me."

"But it is. And it's about me now too." Edward retorted, causing Envy to look away.

Edward sighed in defeat, sitting on his butt on the ground and resting his chin on his knees, looking at the ground.

"So you all... used to be human." Edward mused quietly.

"Yep." Envy answered curtly, absently tugging at the black glove on his left hand. He was a little shocked when it just sort of... came off. That wasn't supposed to happen. Since he was a shape-shifter, any 'clothes' he had on were literally a part of him, and did not simply come off.

He stared at the glove which flopped uselessly to the floor, then looked at his naked hand. He clenched his fist, feeling anxiety rise in his chest. A terrible thought occurred to him. Since he lost his stones, he hadn't attempted to shape shift. What if this is one of the side effects? What if he simply couldn't shift anymore? He hadn't even thought to question it until now.

Edward looked up at Envy, a little perplexed as to what was going on. He reached for the glove and handed it to Envy, since it falling seemed to upset the other so. The meaning behind it was beyond him, naturally.

"I'm sorry. You're right." Edward seemed to get the message that Envy didn't exactly want to go there. It was foolish to think his mom might be out there somewhere, anyway. "I should leave the past in the past. She's gone... I know that now. I won't ever make the same mistakes again." Edward said as Envy took the glove and scrunched it into a ball in his hand and pretended he was squeezing the life out of it like it was the root of all his problems.

"Good boy." Envy said, maintaining his typical snark though his insides were doing flip flops. Luckily, Edward didn't seem to notice anything was amiss. It's not like the Chibi-Shrimp knew anything about how his shape shifting worked, anyway. He could just fake his way through this one. It was what he was good at.

Edward rolled his eyes. Envy was talking to him like he was a dog or something. Why did he put up with this shit again? Then Envy reminded him, abruptly interrupting the eye roll with a impromptu kiss.

Edward melted instantly, and ran his hands to the back of Envy's head to hold him there longer. Fingers entwining in locks of ebony, Edward forgot all about his irritation. Envy was good. Warm, and delicious. It was hard to worry about anything with that soft tongue probing his mouth.

"Let's go somewhere." Envy suddenly said, wanting to break the tension of the uncomfortable conversation they had just shared. Not to mention he wanted to find any excuse to distract himself from that nagging feeling of impending doom.

"Where?"

"Anywhere. Doesn't matter. I just wanna go." Envy poked out his lower lip in a cute pout. He was feeling insecure, and worst of all, maybe even a little romantic. He continued to have all these weird feeling bubble up inside of him, and they needed an outlet. He wanted to show Edward the world, to see the stars with him.

Edward looked at Envy, studying his face. The other had a peculiar gleam, a shininess to his eyes that Edward wasn't used to. This definitely wasn't the same homunculus he'd known before. Or had he ever really known Envy at all? Maybe this was him all along, he just had up a really good front. It was anyone's guess how long this would last, and which version Envy was ultimately the true one.

"So, has our most misbehaved child come crawling back yet?" Dante hummed questioningly at Lust, who stood motionless as her eyes stared hard at the woman who forced her to banish her brother. One might venture to say he was also her only friend.

"He did." Lust replied with a little more coldness than she intended, but she quickly composed herself.

"Oh?" Dante smirked, glee sparkling in her eyes. She of course realized Lust's feelings of animosity towards her for making her do such a task, though it was beneath her to feel remorse or pity. These homunculi, after all, were her pawns. They existed for the sole purpose of serving her, nothing more. "I shouldn't be surprised. The second something goes wrong, it's back to mummy." She giggled, though it was none too pleasant of a sound.

"You're right about that." Lust automatically responded in what closely resembled a robotic tone. She was worried about Envy. Many times she thought about seeking him out, but the inherent fear of Dante had stopped her from going so far.

Dante pursed her lips which curved upwards ever so slightly in amusement. The unquestioning loyalty was impressive, but pitiful all at once. In a way Dante admired Envy's constant defiance, though it inconvenienced her so. But, no matter. Soon he would be no more and she could make an even more perfect specimen to replace him.

"Lust, darling. I have a new mission for you."

Dante suddenly turned to Lust who hadn't moved a single muscle. She simply gazed at Dante with falsely expectant eyes which veiled her anguish. This was her purpose, huh? This is all she would ever be, unless she could find out Envy's secret.

Lust's mind raced as Dante detailed what she was to do, and barely a word of it got through. This was her chance to finally break free, and she wasn't going to waste it.

Envy brought Edward to this little grove, a place he'd discovered not long ago West of Central. It was far off the beaten path, away from any prying eyes. Edward had been skeptical the entire journey there.

"This is ridiculous, Envy. If I didn't know any better I'd think you were taking me in the deepest part of the woods to kill me and dispose of my body." Edward huffed and puffed as they climbed over rocks and branches strewn over the path.

"Shut up. We're almost there, Shrimpy." Envy said, but there was no usual venom in his voice, just slight exasperation for Edward's impatience. Since they had to walk given the terrain and it was beginning to get dark by the time they arrived, Edward wasn't much of a happy camper... until he saw it, that is.

They both stepped out into a clearing with lush green grass. The trees surrounded them in a circle, but it didn't feel closed in. There was an opening above them, allowing one an unobstructed view of the night sky. There was a serene pool of water in the center with the surface as smooth as glass, and the stars could be seen reflecting off it's surface.

"Wow." Edward's eyes widened when he saw the scene before him. He didn't think he'd ever seen something so beautiful. How was there a place like this hiding in Amestris without him knowing about it?

Envy smiled when he saw the look on Edward's face. So, he liked it after all.

They sat together, leaned against a rock near the water. Nothing more was said, nothing needed to be. Envy's body felt a little tingly, almost like the feel of the alchemic power of his stones... when he still had them. The pang of loss returned at that thought, and he closed his eyes and concentrated. He tried hard, harder than he'd ever tried before... but he couldn't change. Not a thing happened, no crackle of alchemic energy or flashes of red light. Nothing happened except the vein in his forehead feeling like it was going to burst.

Edward looked over at Envy, noticing the other's internal struggle. His eyes narrowed in worry, and he put his hand to Envy's forehead.

Envy's eyes snapped open in shock at the sudden touch, but then he relaxed slightly when he realized it was only Edward.

"You're a little warm." Edward observed, re-positioning his hand slightly to get a better feel of Envy's temperature.

"I feel fine." Envy said, his voice slightly cracking. He was having trouble keeping it together after he realized he'd been rendered completely useless. No wonder Dante disowned him. The only thing he had going for him was gone. He had nothing now.

Edward lowered his hand, staring at the side of Envy's face. His lip was trembling and he was staring up at the sky so the sparkle of stars could be seen reflected in his watery eyes that threatened to spill over.

He had no idea what was wrong with Envy, and if he didn't know any better he would think he was dealing with a hormonal woman that he had to walk on eggshells around. Envy seemed to be in a fragile state, and Edward didn't want to make it worse, so he kept his mouth shut, and just stroked Envy's hair in the most comforting way he could muster.

A single tear rolled down Envy's cheek, and he looked over at Edward. Wet violet locked with concerned gold, and suddenly Envy connected his lips with Edward's and they began to kiss deeply and passionately. Edward could taste the salt in Envy's tears, causing a tightness in his chest. He wanted to pull away, he didn't feel right, almost as if he would be taking advantage of Envy, but the former-homunculus wouldn't let him stop.

Envy forced Edward's body against his and ground their hips together as their lips collided wetly.

"Just touch me. Please. I need to feel it." Envy begged, a small sob breaking free from his mouth into the kiss.

The tightness in Edward's chest grew, but he couldn't exactly say no. If he could help Envy, he was going to do it. His cheeks flushed with heat as Envy took his hand and forced it down his skort, and Edward's fingers grazed Envy's member for the first time.

He was already hard, and the erection was creating a rather distinct bulge in the shiny black fabric. Any other time, he would have simply shifted out of his clothing, but that was no longer an option.

Feeling his skort slide down his thighs as Edward worked them off to get better access, it only further reminded him of what he'd lost. He felt naked; vulnerable and exposed. The pain dulled as Edward took as much of Envy's length into his mouth as he could, He wanted to make him feel good, so he followed his instincts and did what he thought would feel the best.

Envy leaned back against the rock and groaned, feeling Edward's lips surround him and engulf him with his wet mouth. His body quivered and he felt damp with sweat. It had never felt like this before, even the other times he had pretended to be someone else and tricked someone into bed with him. It had never felt this intense.

Edward sucked and bobbed his head, speeding up along with Envy's body movements that urged him on. He wanted Envy to come so bad, he almost forgot to breathe.

The sensations grew too much for Envy and soon he was writhing beneath Edward, his body convulsing in waves of pleasure radiating from his hips as without warning his seed began pouring out of him and into Edward's mouth which still worked him.

Edward wasnt quite prepared for that, and he coughed a little, pulling his head away from Envy's slowly softening dick. The come dribbled from his mouth as he tasted it for the first time. It was strange. Not exactly bad, but nothing like he'd ever tasted before.

Envy laid, soft pants escaping his lips as he recovered. He felt very tired now, almost like he could fall asleep right here against this rock by the water. He wasn't used to this either. He felt very... human. It partially sickened him. His slightly glazed eyes raised up to meet Edward's face, and he saw the tinge of pink on those cheeks and the wetness on his lips. Edward was very beautiful indeed. He was human, but he was perfect. The complete opposite of Envy.

Edward wiped at his mouth with his hand, a little embarrassed now that it was over. He felt a little ashamed, like he'd done something wrong, but Envy definitely looked less distraught now. That was a good thing.

Envy brought Edward closer to him, and their lips brushed softly together. Envy tasted himself on the kiss, and he smiled a little. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, if he truly was becoming human now. As long as he had Edward, he would be all right.

"Thank you, Edo." Envy murmured against Edward's lips, causing the blonde another furious blush. It wasn't quite his name, but it wasn't something that involved him being short. He'd take what he could get.

Edward kissed back as reply, holding Envy's face in his hands carefully. Their lips broke contact after a moment, and they locked eyes. Envy's appeared different now, somehow. They were less reptilian. And the color was definitely not the same. They almost looked gold now, but with a small hint of purple. Were they always that color? Edward stared wordlessly at Envy's eyes.

Envy was completely ignorant to the change, at least for now. "I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I just... had some realizations." Envy admitted, his lips forming a small frown as he remembered that he is no longer able to shift forms. He was still coming to terms with that.

"Are you better now?" Edward asked quietly, not really wishing to intrude on Envy's personal dilemmas. He was worried they involved him, and he'd rather not know if they were bad.

"Yeah." Envy said, still holding Edward in his arms. He didn't want to let go, but he knew he had to. He couldn't keep him from his life in Central. "I'm sure the tin-can is worried sick about your ass. We'd better go back before he sends the brigade out for you."

Edward smiled. Was Envy actually concerned for his brother? That was a first. Sure, he'd called him a tin-can as usual, but there was compassion there. Edward's heart swelled with the possibilities of Envy becoming a good person, and them having a life together.

Too bad fate had other ideas.