Chapter 7: Aftermath

Author's Note: Sorry it's taken so long for this. Computer troubles, work troubles, writer's block etc. . As well as working on tons of other stories. This chapter is dedicated to chibismileygirl…Because she has been my biggest supporter/fan/cheerleader in this and has been bugging and bugging for another chapter. So here you are and THANKS –glomps all reviewers-

His shoulder still tightly bandaged and painful, the Colonel walked on his own from the hospital, the careful eyes of his friends boring holes into his back. Though his injuries were serious, Mustang had insisted he be released the next day, a decision even his closest friends didn't agree with. The terms the doctor had set out were simple, and even then Roy felt he would most likely be trying to weasel out of them soon enough. Clutched in his hand were the powerful pain killers prescribed to him, medication enough to knock out an elephant, he thought. It was another thing he couldn't stand and would probably flush down the toilet as soon as he had the chance. All the medication really did was dull perceptions at best and knock unconscious for hours at worst. He couldn't afford the luxury of catatonic slumber, and most certainly could not stay under a house arrest of sorts like the doctor had ordered…Not with Edward trapped somewhere.

Roy still cursed himself for being too slow, replaying the images in his head again and again trying to figure out where he went wrong. He figured it was because he hadn't attacked soon enough. Granted, the sin was holding his lover as a shield and he hadn't wanted to damage the boy. Though, by not acting fast enough, wasn't that the result anyways. Mustang had no time for self-pity and so began to think of something else, mainly where he could find Edward. Walking ever so slowly to the waiting car the Colonel went through place after place trying to figure out where the Homunculus could be hiding the blonde. Not surprisingly, he came up blank; there were just too many variables. He collapsed into the back of the vehicle, sighing. With a jolt the black automobile roared to life, and took off at a steady pace towards his home carrying his further from his goal or closer…He couldn't tell.

Roy thought about how much he hated waiting. He hated being held up anywhere, and even his own home felt imprisoning. Delay's and setback's were frustrations Roy couldn't bear. The postponement of his return to Headquarters was assured as Riza held the door open for him, and guided the weary man upstairs to his own bed.

"Have you found anything?" Roy implored, needing something to keep his mind occupied. Sadly the woman shook her head. "He was very thorough…There's no sign of Edward anywhere, and no one is talking." Gritting his teeth he swallowed the angry remark he almost shot back at her, it wasn't fair to take it out on her, it wasn't her fault. "Get a search team together…" He said authoritively. "I want this whole city scoured. If you haven't found him by tomorrow evening I am joining the team, well or not." Riza just stared at him, exasperated but then shrugged.

"Why can't you put this kind of passion into your paperwork…" she laughed, then fluffed his pillows and pushed the exhausted man onto them with a soft command to rest.

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The world appeared soft, like clouds and it almost seemed like you could grasp them in your hands. Though when he tried, they slipped through. Again and again he tried to clutch onto the thin smoky substance, trying to remember, trying to forget. Somehow, Edward knew this had to be a dream, even his subconscious happened to be rational. The water colour world disappeared with the realization and his dream changed, replaying memories of his life. He saw his mother, and then her dying. His brother stood beside him then suddenly began having his limbs torn from him. All his wrongs and failings played before his eyes over and over again. As they began to meld together Edward appeared to be circled by all those he had loved, betrayed or lost. They stood in a circle watching, laughing as a beast pounded into him from behind, pointing accusingly at the blonde. 'Stop it...' he thought, hating how his plight was being exploited. Every part of him hurt, his heart most of all as he spied his brother in the crowd, smirking cruelly along with the rest of them. 'Don't look at me…' He tried to say, but instead a scream ripped from his throat at the agony he felt but couldn't stop. He lay powerless once more as he was raped, the swarm hooting mirthfully at his sorrows.

Suddenly he was awake, blinking confusedly at the sudden consciousness. He meekly realized he had actually screamed, and the sound produced by his own lungs had awakened him. He tried to sit up and regretted it as pain shot all through his body, and he grunted before lying down again. Waking up a little more he realized this wasn't the same room as before, he was on a bed for one. He looked around as best he could while lying on his back. In contrast to the other room, which had only appeared black, he found he was swathed in light. The blankets covering him were pristine almost to the point of flawlessness and the warm down comforted him. Light poured in through sheer white curtains. Reaching out to pull the blankets closer around himself he noticed his wrist had been bandaged and his ribs and other hurts were taken care of as well. The only real indicator of the abuse he had suffered lay on the sheets below him, which were speckled with a grotesque crimson that caused Ed to feel ill. Resting his head on a pillow, the feel of it even more welcome after what he had endured, Edward wondered if he had been saved.

His hopes were dashed however as the door opened and a certain green haired man sauntered in, a tray held in his hands. Cursing, Edward drew into himself just wanting to disappear. The other laid his burden down on the table top and sat on the bed, too close for comfort.

"Edward how do you feel?" He asked, his face full of concern. Edward could hardly contain his anger, and with effort turned away. "What kinda plot is this…" he said softly, not even aware he had spoken aloud. Just the sight of the other was enough to cause his heart to race again, and his hand felt clammy against his side. He wondered what the Homunculus was planning to do to him now…Why was he trying to be nice? Carefully Envy pulled him up, handling him as though he were made of porcelain.

"Edward I'm sorry..I should have waited until you were ready…" He started, acting as though he had still been right to want to do what he had. "Next time will be better, I promise." The sin smiled in what he thought was a comforting manner, but to Edward, it only seemed sinister. 'There's gonna be a next time…Oh shit. I have to get out of here…' the blonde thought, his eyes roaming over the room memorizing every escape he could.

Rough hands gripped his chin suddenly and he looked over into the other's eyes. "Hey, why don't you speak to me.." Envy demanded, his tone becoming less gentle. Edward's voice deserted him and he could only stare back at the other. To his surprise the Sin didn't turn violent and instead let him go and reached over to the table. The tray was pulled over and opened, revealing a painstakingly created breakfast. Ed shook his head. He didn't want to eat anything that was given to him here, in fact, if this was his prison…He'd rather die than go through another night of hell at the mercy of the sin. Watching warily as Envy lost patience Ed wasn't surprised when his mouth was pried open and the soup was poured unceremoniously down his throat and he gagged, the salty broth going down the wrong tube. Envy watched as the blonde wretched and coughed before pounding him on the back, urging the soup to go where it is supposed to.

"See if you would have just eaten on your own, this wouldn't have happened.." Envy said, as though scolding a disobedient child. "If you're going to be mine, you have to keep up your strength." Ed recoiled, 'he…He thinks I want to be his…The sick fuck.' Ed thought to himself.

"I'd rather die than be yours.." he told the sin, glaring. This only caused the other to chuckle.

"Now now…Be nice, remember what happens when you don't do as I like. I just take it anyways, don't I love?" Setting the bowl aside he picked up the water glass and put it to the other's lips. "Drink, we wouldn't want you getting dehydrated..You're very precious to me you know." Feeling the pressure of the cup against his mouth increase, Ed realized he was moments from getting it also poured down his throat and took hold of it, allowing the liquid to pass through. Something about it tasted strange, but the sin's hand was on the bottom of the glass, holding it up and the liquid continued to pour down at a slow steady pace and Ed had to swallow it all.

Shortly after, under the watchful eyes of his imprisoner Edward began to feel drowsy. He clutched weakly at the sin, longing to kill him.

"You drugged the water…" he slurred and the Sin laughed.

"Can't have you escaping while I go out now can I? I think it's time I take care of unfinished business." Envy leant down and kissed the other softly, and was thrilled as the blonde boy offered no resistance, the sedatives taking hold quickly. Though he wanted to stay and have his way with the teen again, his mind reworking on the pleasures from the night before, remembering the delightful feelings. Envy knew that the next part of his plan had to be put in effect immediately.

"Wait for me…" He drawled, "We'll have some fun tonight I promise." Then ever so gently, in case he hurt the boy further Envy arranged the other in the haven of blankets and pillows, tucking him in tightly and after blowing him a kiss left, locking the door behind him.