I hope you guys like Mush, I love Ed and Roy's relationship. So damaging and entertaining at the same time. Sorry for this being a bit short, it's a small, touching moment rather than anything big happening. That's for the next chapter ;)

That night, Roy sat at the kitchen table eating the cold leftovers of last night's dinner while watching what he could only describe as a 'one man and his dancing dog sketch'.

He watched Edward pace up and down the kitchen tiles, deep in thought, five steps turn, five steps turn. Unbenounced to the murmuring teenager, joining like an eager dance partner, Alex was keeping pace, attached to his leg like a limpet. He continued on spouting a list of things he would have to accomplish before the day after next.

"Okay, okay...so I have to shower, shave, make sure I have clean clothes…, wait, shave first...or should I get…"

"Edward…" Roy tried getting his attention but to no avail.

"...where are we gonna do the operation...should I clean the bedroom?"

"Ed…"

"I should clean the bedroom...or"

"ED!" Roy shouted, stopping Edward in his tracks. He looked over in Roy's general direction. "What?" Sounding a bit miffed at being interrupted.

"Stop pacing and sit down, you're giving me a headache and you'll give your poor dog whiplash." Ed only noticed the dog leaning against his leg. He had gotten used to Alex's body weight over the last couple days and was beginning to not be able to notice it. "...oh, sorry…" He patted her gently.

Roy continued picking at his food. "Apology accepted."

"That apology wasn't for you, dumbass. I'm grateful for any headaches I can force upon you!" Edward sure was up for a fight tonight, Roy wasn't looking forward to tomorrow.

"Well congratulations you are doing the trick." He got up and started to rinse his plate in the sink. There was silence for a few minutes. Mustang rolled his eyes and turned around to see the teenager combing his golden hair through his fingers, standing with his shoulders wound up and looking incredibly nervous. His face was scrunched up, eyes glaring, almost looking like he was trying to see past his blind eyes and at the hair he currently clutched in his fingers.

That's when Roy decided he'd calm down. He remembered when he was seventeen, and that all he cared about was his looks and how girls perceived him. He didn't think Ed was that narcissistic but it was natural he was freaking out about meeting his childhood friend. And then it hit him, has anyone ever described to Edward what he looks like now?

He had grown up to be quite a handsome young man, broad shouldered and lean muscled. His face had stretched and accommodated his now square-er jaw. His features were strong and manly. He had striking eyes even with them being pale and an intense look that made him quite intimidating. His hair had become thicker and had a slight kink in it which created some soft curling at the ends which reached past his ribcage. Ed always naturally had a grumpy face, but it worked and made him all the more mysterious looking. It must be tough, not knowing how you look to the world…

Roy took an awkward breath and scratched the back of his head. 'Why did I take on a teenager…'

"Y-you know Edward…" ugh "You've grown up to be a very handsome young man and you shouldn't be nervous about meeting Winry…Riza told me the amount of girls who like you in work and it's scary." Roy winced, preparing for god only knows what.

Ed stopped playing with his hair and looked towards Roy, a small bit of amazement in his eyes. "Huh? What? No, I wasn't thinking anything like that...you don't need to butter me up or try make me feel good Mustang, I'm not stupid."

"I'm not trying to butter you up, Fullmetal, I just thought you'd like to know...I dunno, since you don't get to see yourself. I sure as hell would like to know what I looked like." Roy felt pretty stupid at this stage, this was not a conversation he should've started. Though, Edward did seem a bit calmer. He pulled a chair out and sat down at the table, metal hand leaning against his chin awkwardly. Closing his eyes and looking very aloof. "If I looked like you I wouldn't want anyone describing it to me."

Roy crossed his arms in amusement. "What a low blow Fullmetal, I expected a bit more intelligence from your comebacks, pity!"

Ed smirked. "Well I'm glad you think i'm gorgeous, I'll let Riza know I have her beat for your attention." The smug brat. Roy didn't really have much to say to that, I guess it was pretty obvious at this point he adored the Lieutenant. Instead he decided this would be a good time for something aged. Roy wasn't feeling the best, work had been horrible and he was feeling particularly vulnerable.

He searched the pantry and came out with an old bottle of cognac and two glasses. He sat himself opposite the curious teenager and popped the cork off the top of the bottle. "I, am going to have a drink and enjoy the quiet that is this last night. Since you are going to be in quite some pain for the next while, I suggest you join me in the occasion Pipsqueek"

Mustang poured two glasses and then took Ed's hand and shoved one into it.

Ed was genuinely surprised, Roy never offered him alcohol before. "You do know i'm not eighteen for another few months right?"

"Tell me this is the most illegal thing we've both done, go on." Roy took a swig of his drink, savouring the smooth texture running down his throat. "Plus, I've seen you sneak drink before, Ed, I'm not the blind one here."

Ed blushed with embarrassment. Maybe he wasn't as sneaky as he thought he was. He took the glass and put it up to his face, the sweet and woody smell wafting upwards into his sinuses. He took a small sip of the bronze liquid. It was a particularly strong taste that caused Ed to splutter. Roy chortled "Not the usual stuff I let you steal eh?"

Ed wiped his mouth with his shirt sleeve. "Mm.." was the only response Roy got.

They sat in silence together, sharing their first drink in the dead of night. Alex was sleeping soundly at Ed's feet. There was a sense of cautious peace, like a calm before the storm.

By Roy's second drink, he began to relax. Letting his head get a little light.

"Ed…" Roy said solemnly. His named sounding distant on Roy's voice. Ed turned to face the sad voice that came from the Colonel. "what you said earlier today...about me not knowing what it was like to raise a child. Or never being scared for them…" Roy looked down at his hand, concentrating on the lines that crossed his palm.

"Well, I'm not sure you agree, and you have every right not too...I mean I'm not your dad, I never will be, but...I've known you since you were twelve, I've seen you grow and become a braver man than anyone else I'd know. We've lived together for two years now and well, I have been scared, terrified over you. You have gone through hell and back and yet you are still trying…" Roy was starting to ramble now. A side Edward had never seen. He always saw the Colonel as relatively emotionless and strong. That he only gave Ed the comfort he needed out of being obliged. He stayed silent, waiting for Roy to continue. "...I guess what i'm trying to say is, I just want what's best for you, and if I can be any kind of parental support...well then I've done something right. It's not like at 18 you just have to pack your bags and go." Roy had closed his palm into a fist, letting his nails dig slightly into his skin. This didn't feel like it was just for Ed's benefit...Roy had the nagging realisation that once Ed turned 18, he would be out of his life.

"Oi, Mustang." Ed gave a small concerned laugh. "You are letting the drink go to your head here." Ed stood up and made his way around the kitchen table and stood strongly in front of the Colonel. Mustang looked up in surprise as the kid towered over him. Ed placed his real hand on Mustangs shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "You're right, you do know a thing or two about raising a snot nosed brat. And really, for that I'm forever grateful. But you don't need to be scared for me, not anymore. I know by the way I act, I seem unstable. But I promise you, I'm doing well."

Roy placed his hand over Ed's hand that lay on his shoulder. "You're right, Thank you Edward."

Edward nodded. "I think we should get to sleep, come on Alex!" Alex tiredly got up and stretched. She plodded over to Edward and then lead the way out of the kitchen.

Edward stopped just at the door frame. He turned back to face the Colonel. "Oh and Roy, if you want me to be your new drinking buddy, you gotta be a way more fun drunk." And with that, he left the room.

Mustang sat there in the dark for a couple more minutes. Only one real emotion was coming past the alcohol. Pride.