Note: Thank you for the reviews:

Alchemist of Steel: You and Roy would understand each other very well ;)

Bgranger1990;

TailsMoon: okay, I will try to mention her more, but the main characters of this fanfic is Ed and Roy:) But I like her very much too:) ;

AnimexoverCartoons;

wishfulliving89;

Driftwood Dragon;

Russletringhamlover: thank you, I corrected the mistakes. I'm glad you pointed them out. As I said before, my native language isn't the English and the longest English text I wrote before this was a two pages long English homework about Robinson Crusoe. :) And after the teacher corrected that, it was as red as Edward's coat. :D So it doesn't matter how many times I check, always will be some mistakes, but I try to do as less as I can.

So here is the next chappie :)

Stubborn

"What do you mean by he left?" Roy felt like his brain was ready to burst. He only went down to the nearby pizzeria to bring up some dinner and Fullmetal was disappeared from the flat. And Hawkeye looked really calm about it. Roy reminded himself that it was because she didn't hear that conversation between the Elric boys.

"He took Black Hayate for a walk as he was told, sir" Hawkeye seemed to be confused. "Something is wrong, sir?"

"How could he already left? It's too early. When I went down he was sleeping in his bed. I just didn't want to wake him up."

"I don't understand…"

"He is sick as a dog, Hawkeye. You heard him sneeze and cough, didn't you?" she nodded and her face now reflected understanding. He didn't want to tell her what he eavesdropped before. He knew that Fullmetal didn't want them to know about his problems, so Roy will do as if he hadn't heard anything. Maybe someday, he will tell them by choice. He really didn't know why, but he wanted this to happen.

"You wanted him to rest, sir."

"Yes. He could have skipped this night. I should have told you before, but I really thought that I would come back before he woke up."

"Sir, you were away for nearly two hour." He looked at her astonished.

"Really?" she nodded. Okay, maybe he flirted too much with that girl in the pizzeria, or with the lady in the café. Or with the woman he met two streets away. He cleared his throat and changed the topic. "I brought the pizza." Hawkeye looked murderous.

"How bad is his state, sir? Is he in danger?"

"No, I don't think so. I just wanted him to rest to avoid worsening his condition." Hawkeye watched him strictly, and then nodded.

"I'll go down, sir; try to find him and bring him back."

"But the chance to find him in the streets is really low."

"We talked about his route, before he left sir. I asked him every time, in case something happened to him."

"I see. It's not a bad idea." He really felt himself stupid because he didn't think about this. "Then I will go with you." He would go mad if he had to wait here. The woman saluted and they left. Roy really hoped that Fullmetal will be fine. The brat continuously endangered the mission by his stubbornness and he was fed up with it.

Edward forced himself to follow Black Hayate toward the next street. He was dead on his feet, had a soar throat, a headache and his limbs were hurt like hell. And that stupid rain just didn't stop. He was really tempted to try something with alchemy. Only two things stopped him. First: he was on a mission where he couldn't use alchemy. And the second: there wasn't anything he could do. And to tell the truth only the latter really bothered him. He was terribly cold, shivered like a leaf and soaked to the bones. He wanted warm clothes, a bed, a hot tea and a bed. Black Hayate also looked somewhat depressed, maybe because Ed dragged him away from that poodle before. "Come on, doggie, that girl was extremely ugly. Her hair was awful, and that pink coat…" he shivered dramatically. "You will find a better one, someday, okay? Fine, I really lost my mind I am talking to a dog." He shook his head tiredly and turned at the next corner. The world swayed for a moment before it straightened again. "This damned rain, I hate it. How can it rain so much?" He started to cough after that and he couldn't stop it. He doubled up from the fit and he felt like his lungs were trying to come out too. When he managed to stop he swore tiredly and pulled the dog closer "Let's go back Hayate, I don't give a damn about the bastard's opinion. I had enough. And of course I didn't bring any tissues with me, this is my luck…"

"Edward Piper?" he spinned around at the voice and came face to face with Mr. Smalt and a brown dog. The teacher rushed to him frighteningly fast. "What are you doing out at this time, young man?" Ed just gaped at him for a minute so he went on "Where are your parents? They shouldn't have let you out, young man. Neither the weather nor the time is appropriate. It's raining and you have inadequate attire. And there is a murderer on the lose. Haven't you heard that? He already killed four children; your parents are really irresponsible. No child should be out nowadays after dark." He lowered his voice before continued "The enemy could be there where you would never think. Maybe the culprit smile down on you and he seems to be nice, but he is dangerous. Come with me, young man. We will phone your parents to come for you. You can't walk the streets alone at nights." He grabbed his arm and started to pull him away, but Edward freed his limb and backed away. What should he do? The man looked hysterical and he watched the streets warily. Could he know something? Or could he be the murderer? In that case he should go with him to get evidence. Even if he just had some information that could be useful. "Fine but…"

"Edward?" he turned around and Charles appeared at the corner. Ed became speechless. What the hell was going on? The man eyes grew bigger when he recognized the teacher. He rushed to him and looked really threateningly at the man. "Is everything okay? What are you doing out at this hour?" The two men glared at each other with mutual dislike. "I will accompany you to home."

"No, you don't have to. I can look after myself, thank you."

"Didn't you hear about the murders? They were in every newspaper. You shouldn't…"

"Don't worry about me, I am not the victim type, ha-ha-ha" the man just looked at him strangely and the teacher turned away.

"Just remember what I told you, young man. Be careful!" he threw another look at Charles and he walked away gracefully. His dog followed him obediently.

"That asshole" muttered Charles after Mr. Smalt. "He is a really cruel man. The children at the school always complain about him." Ed eyed him scrutinizing.

"What are you doing here, Charles?" the man turned to him surprised.

"I live here. In the next street. I had to go to the shop for some toilet paper" he lifted the bag to show him. "And you? You really shouldn't be out."

"I'm walking the dog" Edward pointed at Black Hayate. "I also live not far from here."

"I will accompany you. You shouldn't be alone and…"

"Edward!"

"What?" Ed spinned around irritated and the world swayed again, this time more violently. He had to lean against the wall to prevent himself to fall. "Edward!" the worried Hawkeye was beside him in an instant and she nearly knocked Charles over. The Colonel was right on her heels and he grabbed Ed firmly. "Are you okay?" he nodded, but he was too exhausted for any vocal answer.

"Are you the kid parents?" Charles wasn't looked too friendly. "You shouldn't have let him out in this weather. And there are those murders. Your son was in a great danger." The Colonel shot him a glare that spoke volumes about the man's opinion. But Hawkeye just touched the Colonel's shoulder soothingly and smiled at Charles.

"You are right. We didn't want to let Ed out, because of the weather, but he liked Blackie so much that he slipped out with him. We searched for them everywhere." Charles looked at Ed surprised.

"Is it true?" Ed forced a remorseful look on his face.

"Not like that, but something similar."

"Edward, it's…"

"Thank you for your worries, sir, but could you tell me your name and that from where do you know my son?" the Colonel eyed Charles suspiciously.

"Oh, I am just a mechanic. We met today at the school. I was worried because he was alone in the…"

"We already cleared that, didn't we?" the Colonel silenced him abruptly. "We will bring him home, you should go too." And with that he navigated Edward away from the wall and toward their flat.

"Excuse us." Hawkeye muttered apologizing and she joined them.

"Thank you Charles" Edward shouted back, but his voice was hoarse.

"I did nothing kid. Get better soon." And he turned away form them. Ed sighed warily.

"I'm really fed up with this damn rain." And he faltered again and he would have fallen if the Colonel hadn't caught him in time.

"Get yourself together and don't dare you faint on me" the Colonel Bastard hissed angrily, but Edward didn't really hear him. He was too preoccupied with trying to stay on his feet. It will be a really long way to home.

Roy swore angrily as the brat nearly fell face first into the mud. He barked at the midget to pull himself together, but he continued to lean on him heavily and he had a feeling that if he had released him then he couldn't have stayed on his feet. Roy tried to maneuver Fullmetal to their flat's way, but they proceeded really slowly. "Come on, Fullmetal. This way we will never reach our home." The kid just groaned and grabbed his coat to try to straighten himself, but in vain. He just swayed dangerously and Roy had to held him firmer.

"Maybe it would be faster if you carried him, sir" muttered Hawkeye with an expressionless face.

"Hell, no…" muttered Fullmetal weakly.

"You heard him" answered Roy relieved. If he carried the brat Hughes would never let him forget it.

"But, sir! Edward needs to rest, needs warm clothes and a bed, and this way we won't arrive until morning. But if he is too heavy I will gladly…"

"No way! Fullmetal is so small that I could carry him out of the country and back and I wouldn't even become sweaty." He told her dismissively. The brat groaned furiously.

"WHO ARE YOU…" but he started to cough heavily and leaned against Roy with his whole weight.

"It was enough, I will carry him." Roy decided. He couldn't let this continue. Fullmetal would just have got sicker and the mission was already in risk. But at least he had a suspect now. He really hadn't liked the look on that man's face when they had arrived. He had seemed disappointed. Who knows what he had planned with Fullmetal. He will ask Hughes to watch the man carefully. But now he had to take care of the brat before he would cough his soul out. So he sighed resignedly and bent before the kid. He didn't pay any attention to the midget's objection and grasped him under his knees and back and lifted him. Fullmetal answered with a yelp and then an angry shouting:

"Put me down! Put me down, you Bastard! I said put…" he started coughing again and Roy realized finally that maybe they needed a doctor too.

"Just shut up, Fullmetal. Just concentrate on getting better or I will burn you alive."

"You always say that" Roy stopped abruptly. Was Fullmetal mocking him?

"This time I will fulfill my promise, so just try me…"

"Fine, fine. But you wouldn't do that. Because you need me, don't you?" he looked down at the boy. His lids were closed but there was a soft smile on his face.

"But if you became useless, then I wouldn't need you. So you must get better."
"Fine I understand. Don't be afraid, I don't die so easily." He giggled a bit and Roy was sure that he had a fever. Who would get agitated about him? Come on, he wasn't some overprotecting female! But Fullmetal wasn't really conscious so he only muttered a

"I know Fullmetal, I know" as an answer.

When they finally arrived to the flat Fullmetal has been already sleeping. Hawkeye rushed to make the bed and he got the boy's pajama ready.

"Sir we must get him out of his wet clothes." Roy nodded not too gladly. "I don't think Edward would be happy if you did it, sir." He raised his head surprised. "He would feel humiliated."

"And I am sure he would be less happy if you did it. You are a woman and he is a teenager boy."

"I don't think he is interested in me that way, sir." Roy just shook his head amused.

"No I don't think he would think of any woman that way yet. But it would be humiliating to him. I was a teenager boy once and I wouldn't have loved the idea of a woman undressing me while I am unconscious. It would have felt like I had missed my biggest chance in my life."

"You have been always perverted, sir" he just raised his eyebrow. "But Edward isn't like that."

"I think any sane man would think the same. It would hurt his pride if a woman had to help him undress. And it would hurt more that he wasn't aware of that."

"I think that we can hardly call Edward a man." Roy winced at that dramatically.

"Ouch, I think you just hurt his feelings" he grinned. "And you would be surprised by what a teenager boy could think."

"Sir, I think that was enough. If you think that it would be better if you did it, then fine. I leave you alone." She looked very skeptical and annoyed but when he nodded she left without another word. That woman! He wouldn't wish even to his enemies to get undressed by her if they were unconscious. Who knows what could happen? He winced again. Okay maybe he thought too much. And to tell the truth he would gladly rub under Fullmetal's nose that he had to change his attire like he was a baby. His grin became wider. He would never let Fullmetal forget this day.

He finished really fast and as he put the boy into the bed he had to admit that in pajama and sleeping the boy looked much more younger and innocent. His sleeping face was peaceful, without the always apparent angry scowl, his mouth was open and some drool came out of it. It was really disgusting. And he found that more sickening that for a moment he forgot who he was dealing with. He wasn't a cute toddler, for the heaven sake, but the Fullmetal Alchemist. The kid's face looked flushed so he touched it carefully. It was hot.

"Hawkeye, bring some wet towel in. He has a fever." The lieutenant obeyed immediately and came in with a bowl of water and some clothes. She watered them and put the first one on Fullmetal's forehead. The boy winced and tried to pull away.

"It's cold" he muttered half asleep.

"You have a fever Fullmetal because of your foolishness so bear with it." The boy opened his eyes for a moment and shot Roy a glare.

"… not my fault… Bastard…" he mumbled hoarsely.

"Of course not. I was the one who told you to go out without a jacket yesterday and get into a trouble, wasn't I?" Roy said sarcastically. Meanwhile Hawkeye put wet clothes on the kid's wrists as well. The boy didn't complain again just looked really distressed. "Maybe he also needs some painkiller. He must have a terrible headache."

"I don't need it. I am just fine."

"Of course you are Fullmetal. You don't need to play the macho, Al isn't here neither your girlfriend."

"I don't have a girlfriend" he shouted angrily and then started to cough.

"Sir, please don't aggravate his state more. Just get the medicine, Edward; it will help you."

"I don't need one. Al can't take anything. I also don't want. Where is Al?" Roy exchanged a look with Hawkeye. The boy was disorientated, not a good sign.

"He is in Resembool, Fullmetal. You must pull yourself together for him."

"Tell him, I am okay" the boy muttered sleepily, then closed his eyes. Riza set the cloth right on his forehead.

"I think he will need a doctor, sir."

"I agree, now bring him some painkiller."

"But he said…"

"He wasn't aware what was he saying." Hawkeye nodded and brought in the medicine and a glass of water. Roy helped Fullmetal into a sitting position and Hawkeye put the tablet into his mouth and poured some water after it. The boy swallowed automatically and after he started to cough. After he stopped Roy helped him back to the bed and put the wet cloth back.

"Sir, I will stay with him tonight." It wasn't a question and Roy didn't argue. Someone had to watch the kid in case anything happened. And he really didn't want to spend his night next to the sick boy.

"That's why I really dislike kids. They are loud, some liquid always flow from them and they get sick easily and they are so sensible…" Hawkeye looked at him disapprovingly.

"That's not true, sir. Especially it is very far from Fullmetal, and you know it, sir." He looked back at her with an affronted face.

"Are you accusing me of lying, Hawkeye?"

"Of course not, sir. I just pointed out that you aren't honest." Roy rolled his eyes.

"You are really annoying today, Hawkeye." She just smiled at that.

"Go to sleep, sir. Tomorrow you will have to bring Edward to the doctor. And it will be a really back-breaking job, sir."

"I agree with you on that fully, Hawkeye. I am not sure if the flat will remain intact."

"I also pity the doctor, sir."

"And those beautiful nurses. Poor sweeties." Hawkeye just rolled her eyes at that.

"Go to sleep, sir."

"I won't go." Fullmetal's face was still flushed as he whimpered next morning. "I'm fine, just a little cold, it's nothing."

"Don't be a baby, Fullmetal. We want to bring you to the doctor, not to some butcher."

"But it's not necessary. I am okay. I can go out tonight as well if you want to."

"Yeah, that would be a really good idea. That way I could rid of you forever. What a pity that this would also mean the failure of the mission. Are you daft, Fullmetal? You can't even stand up alone, or change your clothes." He blushed at that, but then he pulled out a really determined face.

"I can, and you will see it." He forced himself up from the bed and put his feet on the floor. His face was painful and desperate.

"Sir, he mustn't…"

"Just let him do what he want, Hawkeye. He isn't a baby anymore." The lieutenant looked at the boy worriedly, but she obeyed. Fullmetal somehow stood up; he was shaking and looked like he could fall any moment. But he staggered to the cupboard and got out some clothes.

"Fullmetal, I must warn you that there is a female in the room." He shot him a glare that told him that the boy didn't care about these kinds of details. He put off his pajama top and with trembling hands put on a black T-shirt. He tried to pull down his trousers, but he stumbled and fell forward. Hawkeye jumped next to him in an instant and helped him up.

"Edward, you are sick. You don't have to prove to anybody. Just let us bring you to a doctor. It would be faster and easier. Come on, let me help you." To the amazement of Roy the kid let her steady him, while he changed his pants. The brat was really out of it. He would be so abashed when he will tell him this episode.

Doctor Rowan clearly took his time while he examined Fullmetal. The boy was sitting on a hospital bed quietly which was really an unusual scene. He was really passive when they brought him in as well. He didn't even protest about Roy carrying him on the way. Okay, he resisted at first, but after he fell twice and Roy barely caught him the third time he finally gave up. He was such a persistent brat, he had to admit it. And at the hospital he tried to remain awake as hard that it was kind of funny. But now Roy had to force a worried expression on his face.

"Mr. and Mrs. Piper, I am afraid that I have a bad news. We will have to make some other tests, but I am positive that your son had pneumonia. But it's in the inchoative state, so it is easy to cure it. He has to remain for some examination, but after that he can go home, but he will need at least two week rest and take a medicine regularly. Now we will give him an infusion while we are doing the tests."

"No, I don't need an infusion" Fullmetal stated angrily as he suddenly became more aware of his surroundings.

"Edward do you have any pain in your limbs? Many people with automail complain about the artificial limbs hurt them if they are sick."

"It's not that bad" the boy muttered.

"So you are really in pain. You will get some painkiller…"

"I said I don't want. I don't want anything. Just let me be!" the boy shouted and Roy rushed next to him.

"Calm down, Edward. The doctor just wants to help you, let him do his job."

"I said let me be. I don't want an infusion, neither any shot or painkiller or anything."

"Are you afraid of the syringe?" he smirked satisfied and the boy exploded.

"Of course I am not. I would never be scared about something like that. And besides I am afraid of nothing." Roy just raised his eyebrow as Fullmetal flinched at the sight of the infusion that the nurse brought in. He sighed resignedly. He had to calm the boy down because he needed the infusion. Of course later he will tease him forever for this.

"Come on, Edward it is not a big deal, you won't even feel it."

"It's easy for you. It isn't you who they are going to stab."

"Don't be so melodramatic, Fu… Edward. It's just a flea-bite." He looked at Roy angrily but let the nurse do his job. The brat winced as the IV get into his place, but after that he calmed down. "Now accept some painkiller, you won't be a big boy, because you are fool enough to suffer alone." Edward looked at him strangely, and then turned away from him.

"I don't need it, and you can't persuade me."

"You know, you are as stubborn as an ox."

"Let me alone."

"Of course I won't. A father job is to care for his child. Riza, you can go home and rest a bit after the long night, I will stay with Edward."

"Fine. But don't leave him alone" she said strictly and Roy know that if he didn't obey then he would risk to face with her gun.

"I won't." she nodded and patted the boy's head.

"I will come to visit you afternoon. I hope you can come home then" and she left them alone with the doctor and the nurse who apologetically said that she needed some blood. Edward winced but he didn't go ballistic this time and silently let the nurse to prick him.

"So Edward, how is your dog?" asked the doctor while the blood filled the vile. Edward watched it with a terrified face, so Roy made up his mind and sat beside him wasn't caring about Doctor Rowan's disapproving face.

"Don't watch it, Edward" he said to the boy soothingly, but the boy didn't pay any attention to him. Roy put his hand on the kid's shoulder and he finally tore his eyes away from the blood. "You must think about something happy. For example think about… think about Al." Fullmetal winced again, maybe he thought about what would his brother say now, how worried he would become. It was a wrong choice. "Or Winry" this time the boy paled visibly. "Okay, then think about… think about that we will go and buy more sweets after you got better." Fullmetal shot him a really disdainful glare.

"I'm not a baby you know. You can't bribe me with candies."

"Okay then a… err… new book?" Edward face remained angry.

"Just forget it and let me alone" he muttered and looked out of the window. Meanwhile the nurse finally removed the syringe.

"We finished" she said smiling. "It wasn't so bad, was it?" she ruffled the boy's hair playfully and the boy looked murderous.

"Now rest a bit Edward, until we get the results." Said Doctor Rowan and he left with the nurse.

"Now we are alone, you can wipe that worried expression off your face and disappear from my personal space" Roy just smirked at that.

"I see you are better now, you are much livelier. Not long ago you didn't even mind that Hawkeye help you change" the boy blushed and turned away from him toward the wall.

"Let me alone, I am a sick man." Roy chuckled but didn't say anything. "I won't tell Hawkeye if you leave" the boy said softly.

"I won't. You are sick and vulnerable. Just sleep some, Fullmetal. You need to rest" and he pulled the blanket higher. "Do you want me to talk to you until you fall asleep?"

"I'm not a toddler!" he shouted angrily. "I don't need any lullaby!"

"I didn't mean like that. But it would be easier if something distract you from the pain." Fullmetal just humphed at that and tried to get as far away from Roy as he could without falling out from the bad. Roy smirked again, but didn't move from his position.

"Do you want to get some tips on womanizing, Edward?"

"Hell, no! Get away from me!" he shouted angrily.

"Really? But I think you are around the age you have to get the "speech". Do you want it now?" the boy flinched violently and although Roy didn't see his face, he was sure that the boy became crimson.

"No! I want to sleep. I am sick and I need some rest."

"Fine, but I am here if you changed your mind." The boy just groaned as an answer and he became very silent. Roy bent forward to examine him. The boy was already sleeping. "Sweet dreams, Fullmetal" he said as he stood up to reposition himself on a chair. It will be a really long day. A beautiful, blond nurse came in to bring in some tea and she smiled at him brightly. He smiled back and the girl blushed cutely. Okay maybe this day wouldn't be as bad as he thought before.

So we are around midway in the story now and I would like to thank everybody who still continues to read it. :) See you next week when Ed will be on a sick leave and of course he won't be happy about it. :)