A/N: I'M BACK :) After a brief hiatus...I had computer problems, art shows to deal with, broken water heaters, empty propane tanks, ovens that wouldn't turn on, you name it, I had it last week. Oh yes, and the lamp on my brand new big screen DLP HD Television blew! Ha ha, I guess no TV means more time for writing, huh? Oh, I hope that's all over with. Still trying to get stuff fixed though. Enjoy 10 full pages of Royed goodness.

Chapter 20

The Assignment

Edward opened the door to the dorm room he shared with his brother and sighed as he entered. He was visibly downtrodden after having been asked nicely to go home by Roy. It was lunchtime on Sunday and he'd just assumed Roy would let him stay until Monday morning; but apparently, his lover had other ideas. Ed's brow furrowed with confusion as he thought back to the conversation, why did Roy say he needed some time alone anyway, he wondered? He couldn't help but feel like he was kicked out in some way.

"Brother! It's about time you came home!" Al shouted as he stood from his position at the small round table and clanked around to face Edward.

"Yeah, whatever, Al." Ed responded solemnly. He walked with his head lowered, passed his large metal sibling, and ambled across the room to his bed. He fell face first into the soft bedding and sighed heavily again. He was wearing the same clothes he'd gone out in on Friday night, although now they were a bit rumpled, and his hair hung loosely around his small frame. As he lay on his bed and tried to ponder the conversation he'd had with Roy this morning, loud clanking edged it's way toward him. Then there was silence.

"You said you wouldn't do this! You promised me this thing between you and Roy wouldn't take you away too much! But you were gone all weekend, what am I supposed to do?" Al complained loudly.

Ed rolled over onto his side to address his brother, "I don't know Al…look, I'm sorry. I just…we just wanted to be together. Can't you understand that?" He certainly didn't want to discuss this with his brother at the moment, not while he was still trying to decide if he was upset about Roy asking him to leave this morning. Actually, one of the things Roy had pointed out was the fact that Al might be disturbed if he'd spent the whole day with him again, so in hindsight, Ed figured Roy was right.

"But you promised!" Al whined.

"Damn-it Al! I'm in no mood for this! You know what? Maybe you should just go visit Winry for awhile or something," Ed exclaimed, obviously irritated.

"That was mean," Al said softly as he clanked back to his position at the table. He sat down with a thud, metal hitting wood, against the chair and slammed both elbows on the table, at either side of the book he was reading. He put his large metal head into his hands and sulked.

Ed sighed again and climbed out of bed. He walked cautiously over to the table and took a seat in the empty chair beside his brother. He sat with his head lowered, his gaze affixed to the hands that fidgeted nervously in his lap. "Al?" he asked timidly. It was always agonizing for him to think he'd hurt his brother, especially since his brother's current situation lay heavily on his own shoulders.

"What," Al said sharply.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel…I don't know…like you weren't wanted or something," he admitted sadly.

"Yeah, well, I guess now maybe I'm not," he replied glumly.

Ed sat forward and put his flesh hand on his brother's steel arm. He saw Al glance over at the contact and then look away again. "You know that's not true. I don't know what I'd do without you," he admitted as he gazed up to find the orbs in the metal helmet.

"I know what you'd do, you'd just move in with the Colonel." Al quipped at the metal head twisted to look at the blonde.

"No I wouldn't," Ed started, then he thought about it. His mind returned to the brief discussion they'd had Saturday morning when Roy had found Ed's things and the little talk this morning about how Roy needed some time alone. He spoke his thoughts aloud, "He doesn't want me to live with him," he blurted out a little too anxiously.

Al was surprised by the way Ed's voice sounded, he was obviously distressed by something that had happened with Roy. But so what, he thought, his brother was always getting upset with Roy. Al sighed; at least his brother still needed him around to pick up the pieces Roy left him in. "OK, brother, so what happened this time?" He asked casually.

Ed was internally analyzing every word Roy had used this morning along with each nonverbal form of communication. He tried desperately to decipher the meaning behind it all, to discern if something was actually not right between them or if Roy really did just need some time alone, like he said. He kept his gaze in the floor as he answered his brother, "Uh, I don't know Al. He sort of sent me home this morning. He said…he needed some time alone. He told me you'd probably want to see me anyway, that I should probably spend some time with you." Ed's eyes seemed to be scanning the floor as if it held the answer he needed.

"Huh, well, he was right. Besides, maybe he got sick of you," Al teased.

Ed glared at his brother suddenly, "that's not funny!" he scolded. Ed thought for a second then his expression softened, "what if he did?" Ed whined.

"Stop it! Would you just relax and quit seeing things that aren't there? If that's what love does to people, I don't think I ever want to be in it. Geez!" Al stated quite flustered.

Ed visibly relaxed, he sat back in his chair and let his arms fall at his sides. He held his head up and chuckled, maybe he was being silly after all. "So, after I shower, do you want to go with me to get some lunch? And then how about we hit up the bookstore or something?" he asked cheerfully.

Al was finally happy, for the moment he had his brother back.

xxx

Roy Mustang made his way to his office, he walked with the conviction deserving of his rank. It was early morning on Monday, a day he knew when there'd be all sorts of issues to resolve from the weekend shift. They still had to convene to make a decision on what, if anything, to do about the homunculus in Drachma. As he walked, he thought about how long ago it seemed, when he and Ed had first started down their current path. How quickly he'd allowed the young alchemist into his heart and into his home. Although, it felt right, it was still all happening very fast. His time alone last night had given him a chance to mull it all over a bit and reflect on exactly what had happened.

Although he knew he loved Edward deeply and he definitely wanted to be with him every chance he could get, they couldn't just spend every weekend at his house. When he'd suggested Ed go home on Sunday, the look on his face had said everything. It was obvious Ed had been a little distressed. But Roy had persisted and it just made sense that Ed go home and see his brother. The last thing he wanted was for Al to all of a sudden feel like he'd lost him. He knew if Al started to feel that way, then Edward would be pulled in two different directions and that could never be a good thing.

Roy turned the corner on the hallway where his office lied. Hawkeye was already at her desk working and the thought of how much she'd backed him up all these years brought a smile to his face and warm feeling to his heart. As he passed by her desk, he was met with a curt solute and greeting. "Good morning Hawkeye," Roy answered. It was then he noticed the worried look on her face. "Something wrong?" he asked coolly.

"Well, sir, a memo came through this morning. I put it on your desk already. It concerns, well, I'll let you read it," she replied anxiously.

Roy made his way to his desk, now followed by the blonde assistant. How could something already be occurring to cause he such concern, he wondered? Roy sighed as he took a seat in the large leather chair at his desk. He picked up the memo and scanned if briefly.

To: All Officers

From: Fuhrer Bradley

Re: Questionable Conduct

It has come to my attention there may be certain individuals actively engaging in conduct strictly prohibited by this military in Central headquarters. In question is section 19, code 11, which states "no active member shall engage in sexual acts with another active member of the same sex." As such, I will be personally conducting an investigation of this matter at Central. Be aware these charges are very serious and hold a possible court marshal for the persons involved. Please prepare accordingly for my visit to be carried out tomorrow. I will expect the greatest level of cooperation.

"What? Hawkeye, did you…" Roy stared at Riza incredulously.

"Colonel, I promise you, I had absolutely nothing do to with this. You must believe me, sir," she pleaded, obviously as alarmed by the news as he was.

"Then, who? Or are there others having the sort of relationship I have with Ed?" he questioned as he scanned her face for some sort of additional information.

"I…I don't know. If there are, I've never been aware of it. If I can be so bold sir, but this does seem to coincide with your involvement with Edward." Riza stated cautiously.

Roy set the memo down and leaned over his desk, he placed both gloved hands on the edge of the dark wood. "Damn!" he exclaimed loudly.

"What will you do, sir?" Riza asked. She tried to keep any semblance of 'I told you so' out of her voice.

Roy stared at the desktop, as if held some answers. "I don't know…maybe I'll have to send Ed away for awhile. Maybe I'll have to…Riza?" he suddenly looked up at her with wide eyes as an idea shot into his mind.

"Yes sir?" she replied and patiently waited for him to speak again as he seemed to be working through something internally.

Roy stood up straight and came around his desk to face her, "Listen, I know this is asking a lot, especially after what's happened between you and Edward. But, if I send Ed on an assignment, would you…well, pretend like we're seeing each other? Of course, this has to be strictly between us. If Ed ever found out, there's no way he'd ever allow it." Roy reasoned with a very pained expression.

An almost wicked grin spread across Riza's face as she replied, without even a second of hesitation, "Of course, sir."

Roy was visibly relieved; he had a plan for the problem this time. But what if this ever happened again, he thought? He'd just have to be more careful, he told himself. "Good, in the meantime, do some digging and see if you can find out how something like this made it all the way to the Fuhrer's office, will you?" he commanded.

"Yes, sir," she affirmed as she saluted and walked out of Roy's office. She beamed as she entered the hallway, this was her chance, she thought.

xxx

Edward was having a rather good day, he'd had an excellent time with his brother yesterday and now he was looking forward to seeing Roy. Although, sleeping in his dorm room without the presence of his lover had been difficult yet again, he didn't let that bother him. He bounded down the hallway and caught Hawkeye's bright smile as he strode up to her desk.

"Good morning Fullmetal," she exclaimed quit cheerfully.

Ed eyed her suspiciously, "Uh, good morning," he said almost under his breath. He waited briefly for her to try to stop him from seeing Roy, but she just went back to whatever report she was working on. Ed immediately felt uneasy, this was not like her at all; there was no sparring today. Did she finally just accept his relationship with Roy, he pondered?

Ed entered Roy's office and turned to close the door. He heard the satisfying click on the lock as it turned into place and twisted his body around as he practically ran to Roy's side. He saw Roy grab a piece of paper and shove it abruptly to the bottom of a pile. The action made him hesitate for a second before he threw himself into Roy's lap. His legs hung over the side of the arm rest on Roy's chair, as he wrapped his arms around his lover's neck and planted a deep kiss on his lips. "I missed you," he said lovingly.

Roy put his arms around the blonde and returned the kiss. "I…uh, missed you too Ed," Roy admitted. He already felt guilt flood his heart as he gazed at his unsuspecting lover, so oblivious to the dealings already in place. He pulled the blonde close and held him tightly, as if letting him go would set in motion events he wouldn't be able to control. As the gravity of the situation and the horrendous amount of lies he was about to tell his lover rested squarely on his shoulders, he felt compelled to let Ed know, while he still could, just how he felt. "Ed…I love you, more than anything," he said softly as he buried his face into soft golden locks.

Ed was surprised; he was expecting a morning rendezvous, not a romantic outpouring of emotion from his lover. "I…love you too. Is everything okay Roy?" he asked curiously. Something didn't feel right all of a sudden. Ed pulled himself away from Roy's grasp so he could see into his face. He hunched his back slightly to put his face more level with Roy's. As he attempted to peer into Roy's eyes, the elder man turned his head to avoid the impending scrutiny. "Roy?" the pitch of Ed's voice raised, as he spoke his lover's name. Now his curiosity had turned to alarm. Ed swayed his head to meet Roy's shifting gaze, but was unable to. He wondered briefly now if there was more to Roy's asking him to leave on Sunday than he'd let on. Ed felt his chest start to tighten as the silence between him and his lover grew. "Roy, please, what happened?" he pleaded as his voice wavered slightly.

"N-nothing, Ed, really it's nothing," Roy stated finally as he struggled to look at Ed directly. He knew better than to think such a simple statement would quell Ed's questions now, but at least it gave him some time to regroup.

"B-but then why did you…why won't you look at me?" Ed accused. Distress laced his words as he continued to try and meet Roy's gaze.

Roy forced himself to look into Ed's eyes, "I am looking at you. And I'm telling you nothing is wrong. I do however; need you to take an assignment. I need you to go back to Youswell," he stated flatly.

Ed was clearly hurt, he didn't know if he should believe Roy or not. It was all too coincidental after what happened yesterday morning. He felt like something changed between them without any warning and now it was spiraling out of control. Tears blurred his vision as he continued to look into Roy's eyes; they seemed so devoid of emotion all of a sudden. He knew Roy was holding something back, "D-did I do something wrong? Is that why you kicked me out yesterday? Is that why you're sending me away?" he questioned hesitatingly.

Roy couldn't bear to see his lover in such pain. He pulled Ed close again in order to stop him from scrutinizing his expression, he felt Ed immediately wrap his arms around him. "Ed, I didn't kick you out yesterday. I told you, I just needed some time alone and you needed to spend some time with your brother. Just because we're in love doesn't mean we should forget about everything else in our lives. I'm sending you on an assignment because, unfortunately, that is my job. And it's your job to take the assignment, understand? It'll probably only take you a day or two and you'll be back home again. When you get back, I'll…I'll take you some place nice, okay?" Roy explained as tenderly as he could. He couldn't shake the guilt; the lies were already coming almost too easily to him. But he had to do what he had to do, and if it meant lying to his lover to keep their love safe, then that's what he must do. Even if it meant a little piece of what they had was destroyed in the process.

Ed reluctantly let go of Roy and climbed out of his lap. He stood next to him with his head lowered, "I understand. When do you want me to leave?" he asked sadly.

Roy sighed, then he turned in his chair and reached out to grab Ed's hands in his own, "You can leave later today, this afternoon," he explained gently. He knew he needed to do something, say something to make Ed feel better before he left. "Listen, how about we meet for lunch? We can get some food and then go to my house for a bit before you leave, would you like that?" he offered. Roy knew it would be tough to be with Ed and pretend nothing was going on, but it was a challenge he had to face.

"Yeah," Ed replied. He was still close to tears; he tried to sound like he was all right. But he knew his lover was covering up something, maybe even lying to him and it wounded him.

Roy could hear and see the sadness still lingering in Edward. But, he had some serious work to do and he hoped he could make things better later, "Okay then, I'll send for you when I'm ready. Will you be in the library?" he asked a little too cheerfully.

"Yes," Ed stated plainly. Then he turned around and slowly made his way to Roy's office door. Ed turned the lock and put his hand on the knob, he wanted Roy to stop him; he wanted his lover to grab him, hold him, to make everything right between them again. But it never happened; instead he opened the door and walked silently out, in the opposite direction of Hawkeye's desk and her happy grin.

xxx

The two sat in silence, each gazing out their own window of Roy's car as they headed back to his house to eat their lunch. Small paper bags sat in the seat between them, a small divide between two who longed for some sort of reconnection. When they reached Roy's home, they climbed out of the car, the bright midday sun forced them to squint as they made their way up Roy's cement walk. Roy unlocked the front door and they entered, still in silence.

As they sat at Roy's kitchen table eating the sandwiches they'd picked up from the cafeteria, it was Roy who spoke first. "Uh, so Ed I thought when you come back maybe we could go to the theater…" Roy said casually. He was trying desperately to say something positive, something that would bring Edward out of his slump.

"Yeah, that sounds nice," Ed replied, he did his best to sound happy, excited even, but his facial expression didn't match the enthusiasm in his voice. He kept his gaze on his food to hide it.

Roy finished his sandwich and looked over at Ed's, it was half eaten, but the blonde wasn't eating any more of it. Roy frowned, "Are you done?" he asked. If Ed wasn't eating, it couldn't be good.

"Yes," he said softly, his face was still lowered.

All Roy could see was Ed's long bangs hanging down from his forehead. He leaned over and grabbed the remnants of their lunch, brought it all to his wastebasket, and dropped it into the container. Then he went back to his lover. Roy leaned over Ed and grabbed his hand.

Ed allowed Roy to lead him into his bedroom, he wanted to say something; he wanted to force Roy to tell him what he was hiding. He felt Roy's arms surround him as they stopped just beside Roy's bed. Ed pushed his face into Roy's chest and abruptly threw his arms around him. He squeezed the elder man solidly, "Talk to me, tell me what's going on," he pleaded.

Roy gasped; this was exactly what he didn't want. He pushed his face into the top of Ed's hair and spoke softly, "Ed, please, nothing is going on. Just…have some faith." He heard a sniffle escape from the blonde and he started to stroke the back of Ed's hair. He swayed them gently back and forth in an attempt to comfort them both. "I love you, that's all that matters," he whispered.

Ed raised his face towards Roy; a tear ran down his cheek. Why did Roy keep saying that he loved him, he wondered? Although the sentiment was always welcome, it almost seemed rehearsed now. He searched his lover's face for the truth, but all he saw was pain. "Roy?" he implored.

Not knowing what else to do, Roy simply restated his devotion, "I love you," before he leaned down to press his lips against Edwards. He kissed him passionately, as if it was the only way to make right the lie he continued to stand behind.

Ed almost shuddered when he heard the words of endearment again. He wondered why Roy felt the need to keep saying it, what was really going on? Ed decided to allow the kiss Roy sustained on his lips to turn heated; he lost himself in the touch of his lover. He opened his mouth and drove his tongue deep into Roy. Whatever was going on, at least he could push it aside for a short while and pretend everything was all right. Edward's heart beat quickly in his chest as he felt his breathing grow heavy. He pressed his hips against Roy's and tensed his brow when the delicious pressure sent a surge of pleasure through his firmness and up his spine. His hands roamed underneath Roy's military jacket and probed at the flesh underneath the thin dress shirt.

Roy felt his lover submit to his wishes, finally, he thought, he had some relief from the guilt tearing at his heart. When he looked down into the blonde's eyes he saw desire instead of pain and suspicion. He continued to kiss his lover fervently, their lips locked in a dance of passion. He turned Edward around and pushed him slowly to the side of the bed, then broke the insistent kisses as he leaned forward, causing the blonde to sit on the edge. Roy pulled away and locked his eyes onto his lover's as he removed his shirt, then unfastened his blue trousers. He watched as Ed's eyes roamed hungrily over his exposed body and the elder man smiled seductively. Once he was completely undressed, he turned his attention to the blonde. He carefully removed all of Edwards clothing; he kissed and sucked at Ed's skin along the way as each piece of cloth removed revealed more of the tanned skin he craved.

Edward moaned softly as Roy knelt in front of him, between his legs, and nipped at his chest. He felt a hot wetness surround a nipple and suck hard as hands roamed around to his back and drew him near. Ed's bare erection throbbed between them, he longed to press it against something solid, but when he rocked his hips forward he was met with only air. "Lower…please," he moaned softly as he put a hand on the back of Roy's black head and pushed him downward.

Roy happily obliged. He licked and sucked a wet trail down Ed's chest and stomach. As he dropped his head between Ed's thighs, he heard Ed gasp in anticipation of what was to come. Roy grinned wickedly and twisted his head at the last moment, choosing to lick seductively at the inside of his lover's thighs before giving him what he really needed.

"Roy!" Ed whined loudly. He felt Roy's cheek brush against a thigh as the elder man's mouth pressed into the soft flesh just adjacent to his very solid member. Ed's head tilted back and his eyes shut; damn his teasing, he thought. He hated it and loved it at the same time. He tried desperately to direct his lover's head over his firmness, but he heard Roy chuckle and felt him pull away. Ed brought his face forward again and tried to glare at the object of his irritation, but his raging arousal wouldn't allow it.

"Like that?" Roy smirked as he took in Ed's enticing expression.

"I'd like it better if you'd actually do what you're supposed to do and quit TEASING ME!" he hissed as angrily as he could for the current situation.

"Hmmm, I love it when you get angry, you know that don't you?" Roy teased seductively. He leaned in close and crushed Edward's lips in a sensuously slow kiss. He heard something akin to a low growl come out of his lover. "My, you are worked up, aren't you?" Roy asked mockingly.

"Well, it's been like, forever, since we did anything, what did you expect?" Ed stated impatiently. Every fiber of his being was on fire, pulsing with an urgent tension.

Roy smiled at him and moved close to the blonde's lips, he stopped just before they touched. "Come on Ed, it's only been a day," he teased gently.

Ed pulled his head back at the last second before Roy's lips descended on his again. "No, it's been pretty much exactly 40 hours," he quipped.

Roy sat back on his haunches and thought a minute, he mentally added up the time and realized Ed was right. "I can't believe you actually count the hours between our lovemaking sessions," he said incredulously.

"Why? Something wrong with that?" Ed challenged. He crossed his arms over his chest and continued, "And…it just so happens to be the longest amount of time between, uh, lovemaking sessions, as you so nicely refer to them, that we've ever had! So, yes, Colonel Roy Mustang, I'm a little impatient…a-and worked up!" he said furiously.

Roy smirked and jumped up suddenly; he practically lifted Ed from the edge of the bed and threw him backward. He heard a yelp from his lover as he playfully dropped onto the bed beside him. "Well, come on then," he taunted as he pulled Ed close and dove into the blondes neck with a barrage of insistent kissed and nips to the delicate skin.

Ed twisted, limbs entwined with Roy on the bed, urgent moans escaped nonstop from his open mouth as he thrust heatedly into any body part of his lover's within reach. The motions were hard and fast, pre-seed slicked his member and allowed him to gain a delicious friction from Roy's thigh as he ground against him. The sensation quickly fed a building tension in his abdomen and he slowed to reach over into Roy's nightstand for the drawer holding the massage oil. He felt Roy's hands toying with his erect nipples and the elder man's mouth still sucking at his neck. He brought the bottle back and grinned as he held the cool glass to the hot skin on Roy's side.

"Ah! Damn, Ed, that's cold!" Roy shouted as he jumped. Roy tilted back to see what Ed had so deviously pushed against him. "You little, ah! I mean…you…handsome…devil, shit, that was bad…" Roy tried desperately to recover from saying the dreaded 'little' word and hoped to hell Ed had not actually heard him say it.

Ed lay propped on an elbow next to Roy, who was facing him on his side. He looked at the elder man self-righteously before he replied, "I heard that, and I'll have you know I am no longer upset by such trivial words," he stated as convincingly as he could. Although the word had stung him for a second, he would never admit it. "Here, turn onto your back," he requested as he opened the bottle and poured and ample amount of the slightly golden fluid onto his palm. Then he carefully replaced the cap and handed the bottle to Roy.

Roy briefly thought about touching the cold glass to some sensitive body part on the blonde in retaliation, but then thought better of it when he saw an intense desire flame in his lover's eyes. As he placed the oil back on the nightstand, he felt Ed's slick palm stroke him, persistent and unyielding. He leaned back onto the bed and closed his eyes. He licked his lips seductively as the motion sent a delicious sensation surging through his core. He felt Ed's body draw in close beside him and Ed's hips push against his side as the blonde rubbed his hardness against him.

Watching Roy succumb to the motions he exacted on him intensified his own passion. He felt sweet tension building again as Roy's body started to shake with desire. Then he stopped as Roy opened his eyes and rolled over on top of Edward. He felt his lover spread his own legs and fall between them as Roy stroked his head and kissed him tenderly. Ed shook slightly when he felt Roy drive into him and moaned loudly as his lover's member found the sweet spot inside him. He held tightly onto the elder man, unable to do much else as the friction inside and out worked on his senses.

Roy continued to kiss and lick lightly at Ed's neck, he was already close after Ed's hand had worked it's magic. He stopped all but his hip movements and returned Ed's tight hold as he felt his climax rush to the surface. He spilled urgently into the blonde, everything he had, as sharp moans escaped from his lips. His toes curled as the waves of passion hummed through his body and his surrender controlled him.

Ed's teeth clenched as he felt his release surge into the hot skin between their stomachs. He practically screamed as the contractions pulsed intensely through him and caused his body to jerk slightly. It felt so good to be with Roy like this, he thought as everything slowed. The blonde's hold on his lover increased, and his hips movements slowed as the tension finally released everything that had built up. He shuddered one last time as a post-climax pulse shot through him. Then he pushed his face into Roy's shoulder as a rush of reality hit him. What was going on, he wondered? What was Roy covering up? Should he ask again or should he just have faith, as Roy had requested, and take the assignment with no questions asked? He resigned himself to take the most difficult path, the one involving faith.