The Gift

2

Plans

November 7th – (Tuesday)

Ed looked up from the book he was reading as the sounds of footsteps coming toward him met his ears. That was one of the advantages of studying in this part of the library; it was so quiet he probably could have heard a pin drop on the other side of the room.

He smiled when he saw who it was.

The colonel smiled back and pointed at his stomach, giving him a questioning look.

Ed grinned and nodded. Yes, he was hungry. The teen stood up and tucked the books under his arm when Mustang reached him.

"How does pasta sound?" the man asked and Ed instantly put his finger to his lips, then pointed to the doorway. Didn't the man know any library etiquette at all?

The colonel mouthed the words 'sorry', and they both headed for the door.

"That was really good!" Ed exclaimed, patting his stomach and grinning.

"You know, I think we should have the Fuhrer declare you as your own country," Mustang said in amusement as he pulled out his wallet. Ed gave him a confused look and he continued, "Well, you eat about the same amount as a small country."

Rolling his eyes, the blond took out his own wallet. "You don't have to pay for me. I can pay for myself," he muttered.

"Yes, but I want to pay for you," he said with a shooing motion at Ed's wallet. "Though I have to say it's a good thing I don't have to feed Alphonse too, or else I'd run out of funds. I can't imagine what it would be like having to feed two Elrics."

Ed frowned and murmured, "If Al could eat again, it would be worth it to me..." He glanced up at the colonel when he heard the man sigh and saw that he, too, was frowning.

"Ed, I'm sorry. I would be happy to feed both of you, you know that. Once Al gets his body back, I'll take you both out for lunch." This was followed by a small smile.

The teen nodded, but didn't smile back. He knew the colonel didn't mean to make him feel bad, but sometimes things like that just hit him the wrong way…

"Of course, I'll have to give the restaurant a few days notice so they can have enough food…" Mustang said, his smile turning into a grin.

At this, Ed did smile. Perhaps when that day came, him and Al would have a contest to see who could eat more. Maybe they really would eat all the food in the restaurant… He shook his head, thinking how ridiculous the thought was.

"So, Ed… what are you doing for Thanksgiving?" Mustang asked slowly.

He blinked. For thanksgiving? The teen opened his mouth to say something when the waitress interrupted them.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but are you Roy Mustang?" she asked the colonel.

When he nodded, she said, "There's a call for you…"

He looked a little surprised, but nodded and followed the waitress away from the table. Ed watched him go with a thoughtful gaze.

What was he doing for Thanksgiving? Well, he really didn't know. Probably going to the Rockbell's house again. That's what they usually did…

"Ed?"

He looked up. He'd been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed the colonel returning.

"I need to go. I've already paid for the meal. Let's talk about this later, okay?"

"Where are you going, and who was on the phone?" he asked curiously, but the colonel just shook his head.

"Sorry, I have to go," he said and kissed Ed on the forehead before turning around and heading out of the restaurant.

For a moment, the blond just sat there looking at the door. There it was again…Mustang avoiding his questions…

With a sigh, Ed looked down at his wallet, then scowled when what the man had said registered in his brain. Growling, he shoved the wallet back in his pocket. Next time he was going to pay the waitress before Mustang had a chance to.

There you go. Next chapter will be posted on the 11thAfter that I'll be posting on the 12th, 13th, 14thand 16thI do have all the dates written down and stuff, but I want to make sure I don't need to move a date or add one in before I tell them to you, so for now this should be good. :)

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