Hi, everyone! I caught a weird bug and had to stay home from school for two days, I actually had some time to write this chapter. I had quite a bit of difficulties on this chapter - writer's block - and I would like to thank everyone who reviewed for motivating me to continue writing. ^^ Thanks!

Anyway, here's chapter five. Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.

Previously:

"If you wish to save your precious people, you have to become the Gate for Adonai's energies. Only you shall be affected."

"Despite all the dangers, they were together and it seemed as though nothing could hold them back, not even Adonai. That was until Ed started coughing..."

The Reunion

Ed couldn't believe it. Mustang was bisexual and he was in love with him? Seriously? It was too good to be true. After everything that had happened in his twenty-one years of living, nothing, other than returning Al to his body, had turned out right. He was almost sure that the Gate was screwing around with him again – raising his hopes and suddenly dashing them to bits – but that look of hurt and despair on Mustang's face…No one could replicate that type of heart-wrenching expression on him, mostly because he had never seen anything other than smugness on the proud man. Could it really be true? Did he truly have a chance?

Mustang moved away, and that was the last thing Ed wanted him to do. Without thinking, he reached out and grabbed Mustang's sleeve with his one good arm. He knew he didn't put enough strength to truly stop the man from leaving, but Mustang stalled and turned back towards Ed…

That sweet kiss – Ed began yearning for more. It wasn't enough and he wrenched Mustang's face down towards him again, passionately and urgently crushing his lips against the man he loved. Everything was perfect – everything had turned out the way Ed had always wanted. Al was in his own body, he had returned to Amestris, and he was finally together with the man he had desired for the majority of his life.

Ed blushed, remembering the sweet caresses of Roy's hands upon his back as he held him. Groaning with embarrassment, he covered his face with his hands.

"Brother?" came Al's voice, "What's wrong?"

Al had just switched shifts with Mustang, who had to talk with Hughes about returning to his family, and was now looking at his brother in concern – though underneath, he was filled with intrigue. What had made his brother act so childish? He had an idea, but he wanted to hear it from Ed.

"Nothing," muttered Ed.

"Does it have anything to do with the General?"

Mad blush.

Ah…there it was. Al grinned, "Well, I'm glad for you. You've wanted him for a long time, haven't you?"

"What?!" spluttered Ed, his face turning even redder than before.

Al shrugged, "It's the same for me when I start thinking about Winry. Don't worry, Brother, I'm okay with it. You both are precious to me, and if you're both happy together, I have no problems."

Ed managed to cock a small grin towards his brother, "Thanks." He never was worried about Al not accepting his relationships, unless there was a good reason, but it felt good all the same to know that Al was supporting him every step of the way. There was only Winry left now…She hated Mustang with a passion. She believed that Roy had willingly killed her parents, but it wasn't true. He was under orders, and even now, he still blamed himself for their deaths. Ed had never loved her the way Al did, but she was a sister to him – she was family. He wanted her acceptance as well, though he somehow knew he would never receive it.

Then, feeling more fidgety than before, Ed threw back the covers and started to get up.

"Brother, you can't! You're still injured!" exclaimed Al.

"I'm fine," he said, "I can't even feel the damn thing."

"That's even worse!"

"I can't just sit around and do nothing, Al. Plus, someone needs to fix Roy's living room, and who better than the one who messed it up?"

"He won't let you," glared Al.

"Let's see him try," retorted Ed. He knew that he was stronger than Roy now. After that encounter in his office, Ed found himself immensely surprised and satisfied that he had returned much more powerful than he had imagined. He truly had to thank Germany for that – it was the only thing he would thank Germany for. Everything else just added to his nightmares…

Ed shook his head, burying the horrible memories back into the darkness of his mind. He had more things to worry about now. He could deal with what happened in Germany later – if it didn't catch up with him first. Right now, he had to get out of the house. If what the Truth said was true – if the deal he made was real – Ed was in more danger than he thought.

"Brother, get back in bed!" shouted Al, reaching forward to pull Ed back, but Ed slyly danced away, a gentle smile on his face.

"I'm fine," he insisted, "Look, I need to talk to Mustang and either you willingly let me go, or I will force my way down. Your choice."

Al was slightly taken aback. His brother had never talked back to him, much less threaten him. Granted, the worst Ed would ever do to him was probably alchemically tie him down, but still, Ed would never willingly do it unless it was urgent.

"Why do you need to talk to him?" Al asked, quickly overcoming his shock.

"His house isn't safe anymore," was the quick reply, and Al found himself following Ed wordlessly, curiosity slightly overcoming his worry.

The minute Ed showed up on top of the staircase, Roy and Hughes ceased talking and stared at him. Hughes had an expression of worry while Roy's was concerned, but filled with anger.

"Fullmetal, what the hell are you doing out of bed?" he demanded, moving swiftly up the stairs to stand in front of Ed, his mouth pulled into a frown.

"Ed, you're still injured, you should rest more," came Hughes's suggestion.

"I'm fine," Ed said for the umpteenth time, "Roy, we need to leave."

"Leave? Is it because Adonai knows where you are?"

"There's that, but most importantly, it's not safe." Every breath that Ed took was poison towards his body, especially now that he was at the site where Adonai performed his alchemy. The air was heavy and Ed found himself struggling to breathe normally. Back in his room, he could sense that there was something wrong, but it wasn't enough to truly make a difference. Now, his bargain with the Truth had been confirmed. He needed to get away from this place as soon as possible.

Ed's cryptic reply only made Roy's eyebrows furrow in thought, "There's something else you're not telling me. What else is not safe?"

Ed could feel his chest heaving now. It was frightening – a minute ago, he was still groaning about whether or not Mustang truly loved him – but now, his throat was constricting and his lungs were crying for fresh air. He closed his eyes, trying to gather himself back together. Whatever Adonai's powers had left over was now attacking his body. He could almost see it behind his eyelids – a dark cloud hovering over the floor of the living room and slowly moving towards him like those horrid little black hands the Gate contained.

Suddenly, he felt a pressure on his shoulder and his eyes snapped open in shock, his instincts kicking in. He almost spun away when he realized that it was Mustang staring closely at his face, his black eyes no longer showing any signs of irritation – only alarm.

"What's wrong, Ed?"

"Can't…breathe…" gasped Ed, the room suddenly going around in circles. Dizzily, Ed stumbled forward, trying to leave, but tripped on his own feet. Strong arms wrapped around his waist and steadied him, placing him gently on the floor.

Ed struggled against Mustang, fighting for the opportunity to run outside, but Roy's arms were so strong – Ed was fighting a losing battle.

"Ed! Get a hold of yourself!" exclaimed Mustang, his face uncharacteristically completely filled with worry.

His throat was constricting and panic set in. Feebly, he grabbed onto Mustang, his golden eyes hazing over with the lack of oxygen. He opened his mouth, trying to force words out of it.

"Out…" Ed managed to croak out before his throat closed on him and he became completely unable to breathe, much less speak. The world had turned an ominous black around him. Why couldn't anyone understand what he needed?!

Then, out of the blue, the ground disappeared from underneath him and the next thing he could feel was the gentle breeze around him. Instantly, the pressure from his chest was lifted and he took deep breaths, coughing as he struggled to gain back what he had lost. He was semi-conscious of the fact that Mustang still held him in his arms, and was slowly setting him down onto his own two feet. He swayed a little, his coughs racking his entire body, and Mustang's supporting hands were back on his shoulders and waist. Thank God that Mustang realized what he needed…though he didn't believe in a faceless entity…

Slowly, the coughs subsided and the world stayed in place for Ed. Slyly, he checked the palm of the hand that had covered his mouth. There was no sign of blood, yet. He frowned; if he reacted so harshly against the aftermath of Adonai's powers, how was he supposed to even fight him?

"Ed, are you alright?" asked Mustang, worry oozing out of his pores.

Ed nodded, too afraid to speak. He felt weak from his coughing spell and sagged against Mustang's arms.

"What was that?" came Hughes's voice.

"That wasn't an after effect of the Gate?" questioned Al. Their voices were close, so he assumed that they were close behind.

Ed shook his head, forcing himself to speak, "Adonai doesn't use alchemy like we do – he poisons the air with his powers…" His voice sounded raspy, so much more different than his usual boisterous tone.

"Then that's what you meant by my house isn't safe!" exclaimed Roy.

"No…it's not safe for me…"

"Explain, Ed!"

"His powers will only affect me – it's a deal that I made with the Truth."

"Brother! Why would you do that?!" Al sounded outraged, but Ed was too exhausted to even argue back.

"Roy…" he mumbled, "I'm tired…"

He could feel Mustang's chest heaving with the urge to yell at him, but he knew that Mustang's concern for his wellbeing would win over his anger, and Ed was just about to pass out once again.

"Then sleep. We'll talk about this more later."

Ed nodded, and his eyes shut closed. In mere seconds, he was already in a deep sleep, trapped in the darkness of his mind where the Truth haunted him still.

Mustang stared helplessly at the limp blonde in his arms. He felt anger beyond reasoning that Ed had managed to once again, sacrifice himself the sake of others! Why couldn't Ed be selfish for once? Was there nothing he could do to lessen Ed's burdens? Roy was feeling increasingly useless, like the times when he was left in the rain – Ed felt so far away even though he was so close…

"Roy, what are we going to do?" asked Hughes, gently placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"What can we do? We can't stay here. You saw what it did to Ed – whatever 'it' is. We need to find somewhere else to stay."

"How about Hughes-san's house?" suggested Al, "Winry is over there too, so she can fix Brother's automail."

"Ms. Rockbell was in Central?" asked Roy, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Why didn't I know this before?"

"She came with me because she wanted to see Gracia-san and Elysia…" Al fidgeted, "But she didn't want to see you, so she made me promise not to say anything. She's done this several times now…"

No wonder…so Ms. Rockbell still hated him. Even though he had been prepared for it, it was still difficult to be the object of abhorrence in someone's life, especially someone so closely related to him, but that was something that he had planned, so like it or not, he had to learn to accept it. It was a deal that both he and Ed had made before Ed even disappeared. In order to protect her from the truth, Roy took the blame for her parents' death – though it was Scar, their own patient, who had actually done the gruesome task. After several encounters with the Ishbalian, Ed discovered that Scar was the murderer of the Rockbell doctors. Afraid of how Winry would take it, Ed beseeched Roy for the favor who willingly took it. Neither of them wanted someone so innocent and pure to be dirtied by the past – by what surrounded both Ed and Mustang. Not even Al knew of this deal – Ed deemed that Al didn't need to be dragged down by the truth as well, and neither did Mustang. Both Al and Winry's future seemed to be so unblemished, so white, that both Ed and him were willing to be hated and chained down for them. It was too late for the two alchemists anyway – they were dogs of the military after all…

"Maes, call Hawkeye and tell her to get a car ready and to give Gracia a heads-up that we are coming. Al, gather some clothes for all three of us," ordered Roy, "I'll stay out here with Ed until we're ready. We can't risk him going into the house again, and if Adonai suddenly shows up, I have the best bet of protecting the two of us."

The two wordlessly obeyed Mustang and went back inside the house. Roy could hear the slight murmurs of Hughes as he quickly relayed all the information to Hawkeye, but he was more concentrated on the man in his arms. He had carried Ed to rest underneath the shade of the single oak tree in his yard. The tree had supported Mustang's back as he slid to the ground, Ed sleeping comfortably in his lap, his head lolled against Roy's shoulder. Lightly, Roy touched Ed's cheek; his skin felt clammy, no doubt from what he had just experienced. Then, Roy lovingly brushed Ed's golden bangs out of his face. He had waited so long for Ed to return his feelings – so long for the right to hold Ed like this – but it felt wrong, somehow. Ed wasn't supposed to collapse in his arms because of an unseen force attacking him. Ed wasn't supposed to be under constant danger because some madman decided it was amusing to kill him. They were supposed to be happy and experiencing peace. After all that Ed had gone through, he deserved it, but life wasn't fair, especially not to the Fullmetal Alchemist.

Ed was now twenty-one years old, but Roy was sure that he had seen so much more than anyone else in the military, and that wasn't including the years he was in Germany. Mustang had yet to hear those tales, and knowing the Fullmetal, they would be amusing, aggravating, and full of anguish. It felt weird. Roy had always been the one that looked out for Ed, and now, Ed was giving so much just to protect him and Al. It was a difficult change, one that Mustang didn't want to get used to.

"Why won't you share your burdens with me, Ed?" he whispered, running his hand through Ed's golden silky hair. "I feel so useless…Don't leave me behind again. I won't be able to bear it another time…"

"How's the Boss?" asked Havoc from where he sat driving, glancing behind him through the mirror.

"He's still asleep," answered Mustang, looking down at the lithe body resting on his lap. "Did Hawkeye talk to Gracia?"

"Yes, she says Gracia is waiting for us."

"Did Hawkeye mention Maes?"

"Ah, I think she mentioned in the passing that there were two people that Gracia might be surprised to see."

"I don't think 'surprised' was the right word to describe how two dead people resurrected," snorted Maes from the passenger seat. Roy could tell the man was getting increasingly jittery as they neared his home. He was probably worried about Gracia's reaction to him returning, but it was meaningless. Everyone knew that Gracia would just accept him right back. After all, she missed him dearly, and so did Elysia. Neither of them had truly moved on. They were both hoping for a miracle that would somehow or another bring Hughes back. The miracle did come, in the shape of Edward Elric.

"That's not what I'm worried about," said Al, who sat next to Roy, "What is Winry going to do when she sees Brother back with damaged automail that's not even her work?"

All four men shuddered. They had seen how berserk Winry had gone on Ed whenever he damaged his arm. It would be worse if he no longer had automail that was made by her – it would feel like an act of betrayal.

"Roy, now that you and Ed have things sorted out between the two of you, it would only be logical that you act as a shield for him, no?" laughed Hughes.

Havoc sent an alarmed glance towards his superior officer. Could it be? Did the Flame Alchemist finally have his feelings returned? Yes, all of Mustang's subordinates knew of Roy's feelings before he even knew it himself. They even knew how Ed felt about Roy, and constantly bet on how long it would take for them to get together – and who would make the first move. After Ed disappeared, the bets died off. It didn't take a genius to see that Roy was heartbroken over his loss, and they didn't want to push him any further with their ridiculous antics to keep themselves amused.

"Stand between Fullmetal and that woman? It's just like Havoc standing in between Hawkeye and me when I don't want to do paperwork," replied Mustang, an amused look upon his face.

Havoc visibly winced. Hawkeye wouldn't hesitate to shoot him to get to Roy, and everyone knew it.

Al and Hughes laughed at Havoc's horrified expression, but that faded away as Hughes's house came into view. They could joke all they wanted, but when the time came to actually face the terrifying beast, any man would shrink in terror.

Roy sighed as they sat in the car for a good five minutes in front of Maes's home. "Let's just get it over with. Hopefully, Ms. Rockbell won't go too crazy, seeing how Ed is injured."

"That's even worse…" muttered Al, "When she's worried, she becomes more furious, though I have no idea why…"

"Perhaps Hughes's appearance will help," suggested Havoc. "Maybe Gracia will be so thrilled that Winry forgets about Boss."

"What? Why am I being the shield now?" spluttered Maes.

"Because you're Ed's father-figure, aren't you?" grinned Roy. "You have a responsibility to him."

"You're his lover! You do too!"

Havoc cigarette dropped at this. Ed had only come back for one night! What the hell happened? Then he smirked, the General really did move fast.

"Please, she'll probably kill me along with Ed, and I'm irreplaceable. You, on the other hand, might be spared, on the account that Ms. Rockbell also considers you her father-figure."

"You're so egotistical, Roy!"

"That's why you all follow me," smiled Roy. "Now come on. We don't want Gracia to wait too long."

"Easy for you to say. You won't have Winry attacking you," muttered Hughes, jumping out of the car. No matter what he said, he was really looking forward to seeing his family again.

"Right. Ms. Rockbell's object of hate holding the man she wants to kill on sight won't be attacked at all," came Mustang's sarcastic remark.

"I could carry Brother if you'd like, General. You must be getting tired of carrying him around," offered Al.

"I'm fine, Al. Thanks."

"Of course he's fine…Do you know how long he's wanted to hold Boss?" commented Havoc.

"Jean, do you want to die?" warned Roy, his gloved left hand rising.

"Just kidding…" Havoc chuckled nervously as he knocked on the door.

The door creaked open and Gracia's kind face appeared before them.

"Hello, Jean. Long time no see," she smiled, widening the door so she could see the crowd better. She gasped as she took in the sight of her long lost husband, tears filling her eyes. Her hand rose to her mouth as she tried to stifle the sound, but not much was. She hadn't even noticed Ed, Roy, or Al yet. All she had eyes for was her husband.

"Maes?"

"Long time no see, my love," smiled Hughes, opening his arms, waiting for an embrace.

Gracia flung herself onto Hughes, crying and hugging him tightly, "It's you! It's really you! I missed you so much!"

Hughes buried his tear-stricken eyes into her shoulder, breathing in the scent he had missed so much. "I'm home, Gracia…"

"Gracia-san, who's at the door?" came a familiar voice.

Havoc and Roy cringed as Winry came outside. Unfortunately, the first thing she saw was not Hughes, but the unconscious Ed in Mustang's arms.

Her jaw dropped open, and for a second, Mustang thought she was going to burst into tears at the sight of her long lost friend, but that assumption proved to be wrong. Her teary eyes turned angry and a gleaming silver wrench appeared out of nowhere and found itself in Winry's hand. She raised the tool, meaning to throw it at Ed.

Mustang quickly turned, slightly shielding Ed from the newest danger, but he needn't do so. Al had stepped forward, standing right in front of Winry. If she threw the wrench, it would hit Al first, and he knew that was the last thing she wanted, no matter how angry she was.

"Winry, Brother's back, and we have so many things to tell you," he said, "Look, Brother even brought back Hughes-san!"

Winry glanced at the happy couple, but her gaze was set on a certain blond alchemist. "When did he come back?" she whispered, the wrench lowering.

"A few days ago, apparently. We'll tell you the entire story once we're inside, okay? I think Brother would feel more comfortable lying down somewhere."

She nodded numbly. It was too sudden, but her curiosity proved to be too much. Slowly, she moved aside so that Mustang could go in first, followed by Al and Havoc, who had ushered the lovebirds in before him. The door shut behind them, and they all settled comfortably in Hughes's living room where the tale began to unfold.

"So let me get this straight, Ed managed to get back through the help of his father, and upon returning, you've already given him a mission? What the hell are you thinking, General?" shouted Winry, springing up in anger with Al next to her, trying to calm her, "What if Ed didn't want to be in the military anymore? He just got back and he's already back to being a dog of the military? What is wrong with you?"

"It was his choice, and it had to work out this way, Ms. Rockbell. Otherwise, Fullmetal's return would have looked suspicious," Mustang responded, his cool mask still in place while his hand rested on Ed's head. Ed had refused to leave Mustang's warmth when he tried to put him on a bed, and clung to him, so Mustang was forced to let Ed use his lap as a pillow. Havoc remained standing nearby – he needed to know the information as well, so he could tell Hawkeye and everyone else. Hughes sat nestled between his wife and child, who didn't seem capable of turning their eyes away from him, not that Mustang blamed them.

Now, all of them were facing Winry's wrath, especially Mustang. Roy didn't feel as though Winry should know exactly why Adonai was after Ed's life and she didn't need to know about the Truth. He was sure this was what Ed would've wanted too. Hughes, Havoc, and Al didn't seem to argue against it. She wasn't directly involved – there was no point in doing so. She would've gotten hurt somewhere or another if she became too involved.

"But you could have given him some easier mission, like fixing someone's broken house or something! You didn't have to put him in so much danger to the point where his arm doesn't work and he's unconscious with wounds! Is everyone a pawn to you in your grand scheme of becoming Fuhrer? You're a monster. You played with God with people's lives back in Ishbal, and you're still playing God now," she hissed, her words like a hot lance striking Mustang in his heart.

"Winry, you've gone too far…" came a tired voice. Ed had woken up with the sounds of her screaming at Mustang and caught the last bit of the argument, which he thought was a brilliant idea. His golden eyes blearily opened to see the distraught woman in front of him.

He sat up slowly, exhaustion still covering his body.

"Ed, are you alright?" asked Mustang, quickly supporting the young man.

"I'm fine now, thanks," he muttered, lightly patting Mustang's hands to reassure him.

"Ed, how can you cover for him like that? I know he's your superior officer and you respect him, but…!"

"Winry," Ed cut her off, "It was my plan to return under the assumption that I had a mission to carry out here. How was I supposed to return from Xing unless there was something as big as a rogue alchemist running around?"

"Why are you always so reckless, Ed? There are consequences for whatever you do! Did your five years away make you forget that?"

Ed's eyes suddenly flashed with bright anger: Mustang could feel the familiar trembles of fury rolling off of him. "I think I've learned my lesson one too many times, Winry," he responded, his voice low and cold, "Do not think my time in Germany was a pleasant experience. I have seen far too many things and lived through more things than I would like to count."

"Then why stay in the military? You don't need to suffer anymore! Come back to Resembool and settle down!"

Ed laughed mirthlessly, "Go back to Resembool and do what? There's nothing waiting for me there. I took care of everything years ago."

"You have Al! You have Grandma Pinako and me! What more could you want?"

"A purpose – Al has his own body and he can live without me. He's done so for five years. You don't need me either – you have Al. Besides, I have a reason to stay here."

"Is it your missions? Is that your reason and purpose?" she demanded.

"No. I found someone here I just can't leave alone. If I don't look out for him, he'll end up hurting himself."

"Him?" Winry's eyes widened as she pieced together what she was hearing and seeing. Ed's hands resting on Mustang's hands, the unconscious closeness of the two…Oh God…This could not be happening.

Ed took a deep breath, "Winry, I'm in love with Roy."

There was a moment of shocked silence filling the room, and then all hell broke loose…

Thanks for reading chapter 5! Hope you enjoyed it! Again, I did have difficulties writing this chapter, so if there are any discrepancies or if there's anything I can improve on, I would appreciate your feedback!

So, as things go, I still have a lot of college essays to write, so again, I can't guarantee an update any time soon, but I will try! So please bear with me. ^^

Thanks for reading again and as always, please review!

~ Kanae Yuna ~