The Fullmetal alchemist walked slowly down the hall of Central command, feeling heavy. His demeanor the same as always. Red jacket covering his normal depressing black tank top and matching pants. Bangs concealing his face, shoulders hunched and gloved hands stuffed in his pockets. One might think it was the weather outside affecting his mood as dark clouds passed over the sky, pouring rain onto Central, drenching anyone who dared to go out in it. Indeed, Edward was completely soaked but that wasn't the source of his inner suffering.
It wasn't the meeting bothering him either. The problem went deeper then a slap on the wrist for his act of defiance. He hadn't slept well the night before, tossing and turning the hours away, unable to get comfortable. There were a couple of things that had happened on this trip that had bothered him. Of course the idea of a crazy alchemist wanting to treat Al and him like they were experiments was pretty bad and ever since then, he just hadn't felt right but there was something else.
Something he had to take up with the Colonel.
Maybe it had been his Commander's demeanor that bothered him, as though he didn't already know what kind of man Mustang was. He'd been to war, killed people before, Ed knew all of this but seeing it was something completely different.
Something that left him feeling uneasy.
And so here he was, standing in front of the office door, just trying to figure some things out. Figuring out himself and the Colonel and whatever else was bothering him. He just didn't feel right.
oOoOo
Stepping off the train, the two state alchemists wearily moved across the platform. Ahead of them, their prisoner and behind an intimidating suit of armor. From where they were, they could see the military car parked on the street, Lieutenant Hawkeye stood next to the driver's side door. Mustang handed Ferguson off to her and she forced him into the back seat, before getting in herself. The Colonel turned back to the Elrics, despite how tired he was, he still managed to have a firm look on his face.
"I'll see you tomorrow, my office," he addressed Edward and received a tired nod before glancing up at Alphonse. "As much as I don't necessarily have authority over you, I'm still not happy with you either." Alphonse helmet dropped and it was obvious he was sorry. Roy sighed loudly, realizing he was too tired. "Just go to your dorm and get some sleep." With that, the Elric brothers left his presence. Hawkeye rolled down her window and leaned out.
"Sir, everything okay?"
"Yes, it's fine, Hawkeye." He rubbed his hand over his face before glancing up at the premature darkening sky. "Great, looks like rain."
oOoOo
It had not only rained all night but was still coming down pretty heavy the next day. The weather made it the perfect day to stay home and sleep in. But not the case for dogs of the military. The Flame alchemist let out a yawn, before taking another sip of coffee, in hopes that it would help him focus on the daily boring tasks. He leaned his head on his palms, eyes half open and a dull expression on his face. Fortunately, there was no one else there to witness his utter laziness. Not that his staff assumed he was working diligently at all times. The phone rang louder then he wanted it to and his gaze shifted towards the receiver that he had no desire to pick up. Finally after the third ring, he grabbed it.
"Hello, Mustang here." His dampened attitude resonating in his voice but he couldn't bring himself to care.
"Colonel?" The metallic quality to the meek voice was all too familiar.
"Alphonse? What do you need?"
"Um well, I was just wondering if Ferguson was locked up yet?" Roy frowned and leaned back in his leather chair.
"Yes, last night actually. Why would you even call about something like that?"
"It's just that Brother hasn't been feeling too well. He didn't eat last night or get much sleep. Guess I figured it had something to do with bringing him back."
"Really? Mmm, well I haven't seen him yet but I'll reassure him that everything's been taken care of. Ferguson isn't going anywhere anytime soon."
"Okay. Thanks."
"No problem..." The office door opened and Edward shuffled in, leaving damp footprints as he went. The Colonel raised an eyebrow at the sight. "Actually he just stepped in. I'm sure you'll hear all about our meeting later. Yeah. Uh huh. Bye." With that, he placed the receiver down as Ed stood before his desk. Normally he'd take a seat on one of the couches and make himself at home but that was not the case today. He always remained standing when something was on his mind or at least that seemed to be the pattern. He looked like he was ready to bolt at any minute, as though he was uncomfortable.
"Is there a problem, Fullmetal?" Besides seeming troubled, he did look paler then normal and also appeared to be out of breath. "What, did you run here?"
"No, just tired. Anyway, other then lecturing me, what else did you need." Although he was acting impatient, the Colonel understood where Al was coming from. Ed wasn't himself.
"Settle down, Ed. I'm not gonna lecture you. Actually I wanted to know what else happened at the lab. Since there is no written report on this, the least you can do is tell me." Edward let out a stifled breath as though he was trying to think up a lie more then recalling the past days events. Roy could tell just by the long pause in the conversation he wasn't going to get the truth. "Look, if you're just going to come up with something, then forget it. But your brother and I would at least like to know what is eating at you? It's not often he calls me and it's not like you confide in me anyway."
"Al called you?" Edward furrowed his brow, not wanting to upset Al. Roy, he didn't care about but Alphonse was different. Pulling his hands out of his pockets, he leaned forward on the smooth wooden surface of the desk. His damp jacket dripped water, earning him another disapproving look from Mustang. "You killed those men,...like it was nothing."
"Is that what's bothering you, damn Ed if that's all."
"That's not all, what if that psycho had done something like that to me or Al? Would you have killed us as well?"
"That didn't happen. You know why I had to do it. Besides just to humor you, if he had done something like that to you, would you want to let your body be used to hurt other people?" Ed straightened up as the revelation hit him.
"That still doesn't make it right." He swayed some on his feet, suddenly feeling light headed.
"Fine what would you like, I did what I needed to. I'm sorry you didn't think it was necessary." Edward heard him but was no longer listening, as he brought his hand up to his head.
"It's just...just."
"Fullmetal, are you okay?" He leaned backwards, feeling dizzy. His knees buckled and he collapsed out of sight. "Ed!" Roy stood from his seat, shock taking over his features.