Chapter Fourteen-Betrayed Feelings

It was another peaceful quiet morning in Central. Although homunculi didn't need to sleep, Pride found the slumber somewhat enjoyable. Opening his eyes, he immediately noticed the blond curled up to him and he was easily annoyed with the contact. The night before had been interesting, he had never experienced human love after all. But afterwords he really did wonder what all the fuss was about and why people were willing to destroy their lives for it. Of course his actions weren't based only on curiosity, he wanted to piss off the former alchemist whose body he'd stolen. Just as he had speculated, Edward was a perfect choice. The connection he had through Hohenheim and Father made things work out perfectly. And as long as he kept appearances going, no one would be the wiser. He had access to all of Ed's memories and knowledge. He didn't even have to worry about using alchemy which ultimately was the only way Edward could ever hope to be rid of him anyway. Everything was working out perfectly.

Now that he contemplated everything, he noticed that his captive had been awfully quiet up to this point. Being the oldest homunculus, Pride knew better then to assume Edward was just going to be silent and blend in with the rest of the souls occupying this individual body. Managing to get out of Winry's grasp, he moved to the end of the bed. The night before, everything had gone according to plan however there was one thing he hadn't accounted for. Attempting to rise to his feet, Ed's left leg didn't want to respond. The automail gears and moving parts seemed to groan in response to Pride's efforts. He had no idea that it would take so much mental capacity to move the one metal limb. It had to be because he wasn't used to it.

'So Elric, you conscious?' He waited patiently for an answer. 'What did you get lost in there?'

'I don't have anything to say to you. Just leave me alone.' Edward sounded depressed. A deep grin spread across his face in response. He knew Edward couldn't stay quiet forever. If Greed had a difficult time with that guy from Xing, there was no doubt in his mind that Ed wouldn't relinquish power over so easily.

'Aw, you're just upset with what I did last night with...'

'Shut up! I was there, you bastard! I know what you did with my wife!' There was a knot forming in his stomach and Pride wondered if he was experiencing what Edward was feeling. 'Why can't you just leave? Just stay away from my family. I let you have what you wanted.'

'Mmm, family huh?' The blond turned back to the woman still asleep behind him. Edward could feel Pride searching his thoughts and there was nothing he could do to stop him. He really did had complete access to everything that made him who he was. Pride's wide grin suddenly became an evil smile. 'Oh that's what you've been trying to keep from me. It hasn't really been about her or even your brother.' Ed tried desperately to collect himself as best he could in the midst of the chaos around him.

'Just go.'

'And be like Hohenhiem, I don't think so. Besides you took everything from me, why shouldn't I return the favor. Of course if you want I can end all your agony now if you'd like.' Shadows around the room snaked towards the bed, sharpening into weapons and aiming at Winry.

'No!...Please, please don't do anything to her.' Ed hated that all he could do is resort to begging.

'That's what I thought you'd say.' The blades vanished from around the room. 'Now about this obnoxious automail. I'm gonna need some help moving it.' Edward would love it if Winry found out what happened and took his leg back. That would definitely put a wrench in Pride's entire plan. He hadn't thought about it being a problem for a homunculus that was use to having a perfect body for so many hundreds of years. 'How bout this, if you help me out with this, I promise I won't hurt her and I'll make things easier on you too.'

'How's that, you gonna leave?'

'You're sarcasm never ceases to amaze me, really.' Pride's tone matched Ed's.

'Fine, whatever but I don't know what you mean by making things any easier.'

oOoOo

The Flame alchemist walked through the hospital at a leisurely pace. He really wasn't in much of a hurry and was glad to get out of the office. When he opened the door, he noticed May was still asleep in a chair next to the bed. One of the nurses must have placed a blanket over the sleeping girl as she snuggled more into the warm cover. Alphonse was still out which brought a frown to Roy's face. The doctor had mentioned last night that he most likely had hit his head however he didn't suspect a concussion. And until Edward showed up again, Al was the only one who knew what happened the night before.

"Morning ,Sir." The announcement came from the door, pulling his attention away from the bed. Lt. Hawkeye stood there, holding two cups of coffee. "Has anything changed?" At first her tone was as professional as always however when asking about how Alphonse was, it was clear she was concerned for him.

"Doesn't seem so." He gladly took the one cup from her. "And I spoke with some of the superior officers and it seems that any request to search for Ed have been denied."

"Have you considered speaking with the Furer."

"That's where I was heading next. I'm sure he won't have a problem with using our resources." He let out a loud sigh and glanced at the ceiling. "Of course going over anyone's head is really going to cause me some trouble."

"You don't think this is just Edward being careless and running off?"

"I don't think so, but there's a lot that doesn't make a whole lot of sense anyway. And besides, he might have been reckless before but I don't think he'd do anything crazy now considering...well, you know." The Lieutenant arched an eyebrow and couldn't help that the side of her mouth pulled up into a lopsided smile.

"Please sir, all of Central Command knows about that."

"Really, but I tried so hard to keep it quiet." He dropped his shoulders.

"By telling Havoc, are you out of your mind?" Somehow in this conversation she still managed to keep a very professional tone.

"Point taken. Anyway as much as I'd like to think he's just going to show up somehow I don't think it's up to him. He made it pretty clear yesterday that he wanted to get out of here as soon as possible."

"You don't think he'll just leave anyway without checking in with us?" Mustang's gaze shifted to the occupant in the bed.

"I doubt it. Not with Al like this." Riza nodded quietly back at him and her features softened.

"It's a shame since Alphonse kind of just got here. Even after so much time has passed, they still can't get a break." Roy laughed quietly to himself.

"Don't start showing them pity now. You know they won't stand for it." She nodded back in agreement.

oOoOo

By the time Winry woke up, it was almost eleven. She was surprised to find the room empty and couldn't help but wonder if the night before had been a dream. Hearing Shao Mei's disapproving sounds from the bathroom confirmed it wasn't. Getting out of bed, she opened the bathroom door to let the panda out.

"Sorry bout that." She smiled as she leaned down to pick her up. 'Ed's probably at the hospital. I'm sure he wants to see if Als' any better. I should head over there and see how everything is.' Deciding what she needed to do, she quickly got ready.