Author's note: Sorry this chapter is late. Rough couple of weeks. Anyway, Enjoy :3

It has been a week since Edward was taken from the cottage, a week since she's been stuck in that bed with nothing to do but read the same books over and over. She was just about ready to climb up the walls. To her disappointment, Fu had instructed her that she was not allowed to get up for at least three more days, and even that was pushing her limits too much for his liking. Not that she cared really. Over the course of the week most of the pain had dissipated into a dull ache, except for the sharp burning sensation that she got from the wound in her calf. It had been having major trouble healing, the jagged flesh almost refusing to bind together. Not only that, but it kept getting infected, from what she had no idea. It was constantly wrapped in a bandage, and she wasn't allowed to move her leg at all. She didn't want her leg to heal improperly, though to her relief, it had turned out that what Fu had thought was a break, turned out to only be a crack.

Mustang's team had moved into Rayerk, despite Fu's constant arguments against it. Roy seemed to ignore the man whenever he started acting up about it, the look in his eyes shutting the doctor up more often than not. Ed couldn't help but find it slightly funny. Last week the man was ready to start a rebellion against Roy and the military, and now he seemed less than eager to follow up on his words. The change in his attitude confused Ed at first, until she witnessed the death glare her CO threw at the doctor herself. Even the great Fullmetal would back off is she was on the receiving end of those eyes.

Roy had stayed by her side throughout most of her stay. At times he would disappear, only to return a few hours later, his hair standing in all directions after his hand had continuously moved through it, obviously annoyed. She had figured out that he did that whenever he was annoyed or bored, and if she was being honest with herself, she had gone out of her way on more than one occasion to get him to do just that.

Little Tisha had visited her a few times as well, but she never stayed long. She had healed quite nicely for the most part, but her spirit still seemed to be broken. After Ed had experienced what the deranged man did first handed, she didn't blame the child.

Ed ran her fingers through her golden hair, using her fingers to try and get rid of the knots that had formed on the ends, when Roy entered her room, his hair standing in every direction again. Onyx eyes fell on her face, before he moved over to her, picking up the brush that lay on the table next to her. Without a word, she dropped her hand, letting him brush her hair with gentle strokes instead.

"We're moving you to the cottage today." His deep voice spoke as he worked on the knot. "There has been another attack, and Fu needs the room."

"Shouldn't you be at the scene then?"

"I just came from there to get you ready to be moved. Hughes is still assessing the scene, so we have thirty minutes before they need the room."

"Did you learn anything from the scene?" She asked as his fingers moved through her hair, braiding it as he had done every day since she had been brought there.

"Nothing that we didn't know already. The body was dumped after the torture took place, and she had bled out before being found. According to Hughes, it seems like they have a new base of operations, though he will need the autopsy report before he can speculate the area it might be in. There we go."

She ran her fingers over the neat braid as he moved across the room, stuffing her few items into a bag as he spoke. "The move might be a bit stressful on your body, so Fu had suggested we sedate you for it."

"No." The braid dropped onto her back as she shook her head. "I can handle it."

"I know you can, Ed. But it might be better for your overall health if we…"

"No." She wasn't going to budge. There was no way she would let herself be moved with her being unconscious. After that night, she had had nightmares whenever she was sleeping, whether it was drug induced or not, and she didn't want everyone to see her thrashing about as they moved her. It had been bad enough for Roy to see her in such a weak state. What little pride she had left, had to be protected, regardless of the pain it took to do so.

"Fine." Fingers ran through black hair as he sighed, moving over to her side again, and his hand taking hold of hers. "Al's waiting for us at the cottage. He was going to go back to Resembool today, but when he heard you were going to be taken home today, he decided to postpone it."

Edward couldn't help but stare at the man next to her. Since when was the cottage the two of them shared together, home? Fingers gentry rubbed the top of her hand as he got lost in his thoughts, only to return to reality when Lydia entered the room, her eyes grazing over their interlocked hands with a slight smile.

"I'm going to change your bandages before you're moved, to help lessen the strain on your body. Then Roy won't have to change them until tonight either." The nurse brought over a few clean bandages, starting on her leg first as Ed watched, biting her lip as she started to remove the old bandage.

"Since when – Ow – can you change bandages, Bastard?"

He shrugged. "I've had basic first-aid training, Fullmetal. It's mandatory for military soldiers, after all. Fu has also given me some pointers on what to do and what to avoid, so you're in safe hands."

"Like I trust you, you womanizer." Ed smirked, letting out a sigh moments later as the pressure around the wound disappeared completely, the bandage dropping to the bed.

"Like I'd do anything with such a shrimp." Roy retorted, squeezing her hand gently. Sometimes she wasn't sure where she stood with this man. He would flirt with her, even acting fondly towards her, and at other times he would say shit like that, like he had no intention of ever seeing her as anything other than his subordinate. His hand in hers as he said it made her more confused, but it was forgotten as a sharp pain ran up her leg.

With a hiss, Ed turned her attention back to the woman who was currently pressing her finger to her wounded calf. Ed knew that she had to do that, to check if there was any new infections brewing under her skin, but she sometimes wished that they would just put the ointment on it regardless. With a tsk from the woman, she reached over to the bottle, dipping some of the liquid inside onto the cotton ball before pressing it against the cut, making it sizzle.

"Seems the infection hasn't given up yet, so you're going to have to apply this every six hours, until I come to check on it again in three days, okay Roy?" The man nodded as the nurse handed him the bottle, before wrapping the leg again, moving on to the wounds on her arm next. "There are clean bandages in a basket on the table, next to your usual vegetable supply. With her still so weak, I would suggest sticking to soup for a while." Again, black hair bobbed up and down as he nodded mutely.

"There we go. You can move her now." Lydia spoke as she moved the old bandages to the trashcan in the corner, disappearing out of the door seconds later.

"There's two ways for us to move you, but we're going to let you decide which way you prefer. The first is we have Armstrong carry you to the cottage." Golden bangs whipped across her face as she furiously shook her head, making him chuckle, his deep rumbling voice filling the room. "The other option is for me to carry you. We were going to use a gurney, of sorts, but it seems the only one they own is being used to bring the victim here, so we can't use it ourselves."

"I don't mind if you carry me." Ed said, a deep blush crossing her features. "After all, you've done it before."

"True." He shrugged, his hands moving to pick her up. "I'll try to be as gentle as possible, but you're going to have to stay still." Strong arms moved underneath her form, gently lifting her up bridal style, as her arms wrapped around his neck instinctively, making him let out another chuckle. "I'm not going to drop you Edward, you can relax."

"I know you won't drop me." She said, her voice almost trembling at the sheer proximity of the man. It was hard for her to admit, but being in his arms just felt so… right. There was no other way to explain it. She felt like a piece of a puzzle, finally fitting into its place in the grand scheme of it all. Roy carried her out into the street, and to her relief, the streets were empty as usual. Figuring the team was still dealing with the newest body, she relaxed slightly, becoming aware of the sharp burn in her leg moments later. A hiss escaped her lips, making Roy look at her, his lips less than an inch from her face.

"I'm sorry if this hurts. We're almost home."

Edward shook her head slightly before resting it on his shoulder in the crook of his neck, his lips brushing against her temple slightly, sending shivers down her spine. If the pain in her leg was considered equivalent exchange for being this close to him, she would gladly be in pain all the time. All too soon they moved through the wooden door, Al jumping off of the couch as she entered his view.

"Brother! How are you feeling? Is your leg better yet? Do you want something to eat or drink? Are you co…?"

"Alphonse, let me at least lay your sister down before you bombard her with questions." Roy chuckled as he moved towards her bed, stopping halfway down the hallway. "Edward, do you want me to put you to bed or would you rather join us in the living room?"

Lifting her head from his shoulder slightly, she contemplated her options, before choosing the living room, Roy turning on his heels and placing her on the couch she usually chose seconds later. Al appeared out of her room, bringing the blanket in his hands to drape over her, before taking his seat next to Roy on the opposite couch.

"That was amazing, Roy." Al breathed, placing his now empty bowl on the table in front of him.

"Thanks." The black haired man replied, grabbing his bowl from where he had just dropped it, before heading to the kitchen. "Al, you can sleep in my bed tonight."

"Oh no, I couldn't do that." His hands waved in front of his face as he spoke, though it didn't do her younger brother much good.

"I insist. Sleeping on a couch isn't good for you." Roy stopped behind Ed's couch, his hands resting on the back of it as he spoke. "If you want to, you can have a bath Fullmetal."

"I'd love one, but I can barely stand…"

"Not a problem. I'll run the water for you." He disappeared down the hallway before she could protest further, leaving her to a chuckling Al.

"I guess he's going to help you take a bath…"

"Shut up Al." She growled, her face tinted pink.

"You should be happy brother, haven't you had a crush on him since forever?"

"Shut up, Al."

"Just think, his hands will be all over your naked…" The pillow hit him square in the face, sending him into a fit of giggles.

"I swear Al, if you don't shut it, I will strangle you in your sleep."

"I'm not going to carry you into his room just to be an accomplice to murder." Roy's voice came from the bathroom, making it very clear he could hear what they were busy talking about. If Ed's face could get any redder, she'd be considered a tomato. Al got up from his seat, still giggling as he moved over to his sister, giving her a hug.

"Good night brother. Sleep well."

"You too Al. Remember to wake me before you head out."

"I will." Edward watched as her brother disappeared down the hallway, Roy appearing from it moments later, his hair slightly wet from having run his hand through his hair while it was wet. Without saying a word he lifted her up, carrying her to the bathroom while she tried, and failed, to stop her furious blushing.

His hands moved gently as he removed her shirt and pants. Ed sat in her underwear, a bandage covering her breasts as well, as Roy's hands moved over her leg, gently removing the bandage, before moving to the others. To her relief, or disappointment, she wasn't sure, he left the bandage across her chest alone, instead instructing her to remove it herself while he checked on Al, handing her a thin white towel. By the time he had returned, she was naked, but her body was covered by the towel. Without a word, he picked her up, his strong hands running over her naked body, sending shivers of – was that pleasure? – through her, before placing her in the warm water, a hiss escaping her lips as her wounds made contact with the liquid.

"Do you need me to help you?" Roy asked, the cloth and soap in his hands, as if asking her permission.

"J-Just with my b-back." She breathed, her hand still clenching the towel against her chest, covering as much of her front as she could while the fabric absorbed the water around her, becoming heavy. With a nod, Roy lathered the cloth with soap, before gently washing her back, making her whimper, in both pleasure and pain. She was painfully aware of his fingers brushing against her back, eventually moving down until just above her ass, the urge to pull him closer almost unbearable. All too soon he handed her the cloth, and left the bathroom so that she could finish washing up. Maybe she should have said yes…

Shaking her head, she started on her body, hissing each time the soap touched a wound. Her body was riddled with half-healed scars and bruises, making her grateful she had said no instead. There was no doubt in her mind that she looked hideous, like some sort of doll that had been stitched together from different parts. Her hand slipped underneath her leg, lifting it up as she bit into her lip hard, drawing blood. With her other hand, she brushed the cloth against the wound, and she was certain any more pain and she would either bite off her lip completely, or pass out. Hastily she placed her leg back in the water, a sigh escaping her lips as the water washed the soap away.

"Are you done yet, Fullmetal?" Roy's voice called from the other side of the bathroom door, pulling her attention away from her leg.

"Yes, Mustang."

"I'm coming in then." She pulled the towel back to her body, covering herself as much as possible as he entered the bathroom. His eyes scanned her body, onyx lingering over her curves, making her feel slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. What was he thinking? Was he thinking of how grotesque she looked? Strong hands slipped under her as he lifted her out of the tub and for a moment it felt like he was going to lose his balance, making her throw her arms around his neck, towel completely forgotten. It fell back into the tub as she realized too late what she had done, leaving her naked in his arms, breasts pressed against his chest. More embarrassed she couldn't possibly be.

Roy moved her to her room, a towel sprawled across her bed. He lay her on the towel, his eyes averted from her body as he handed her a dry one. Ed's heart fell at his reaction, despite herself. If she had been a more feminine woman, perhaps he would have devoured her with his eyes. Instead, he left the room rather hastily, leaving her to dry herself as best she could before pulling her panties on. He appeared in her doorway as she pulled the towel against her breasts, a couple of clean bandages clenched in his hand.

"I'm going to have to bandage up your chest." Not even his voice sounded remotely interested, instead taking on its usual bored tone as he moved over to her. "I know it must be uncomfortable for you, but it's going to get infected if I don't."

"I know." She muttered, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. The towel moved from her body, making her blush. Glancing at him, she noticed his eyes were focused on her chest, a look of pure horror and disgust on his face. So she was hideous now. "You don't have to do this if it's uncomfortable. I-I can get Lydia to help me instead."

"Don't be ridiculous, Fullmetal. I did this before, remember." His fingers ran over her breast, making her hiss as the ointment made contact with the gashes.

"What…" She breathed, biting her lip as he moved to the other one, his fingers following the same motions.

"I removed the bullet from your chest, remember?"

"Oh, right. I'm sorry."

"What are you apologising for. Can you sit up?"

With a nod she sat up, his hand on her back helping her until she was upright. "I mean, I've really been an imposition to you…"

"Not at all." The bandage moved across her chest, slowly covering up the hideous remains of her breasts. "You're my subordinate; of course I'll take care of you."

"Oh, Right." Of course that was it. What else could it have been? Roy applied the ointment to all the wounds he had been instructed to treat, before wrapping them all up. It was a lengthy process, and by the time he had finished and helped her pull on her clothes, it was almost midnight. With a yawn, Roy pulled the blanket over her, kissing her forehead almost absentmindedly.

"Sleep well, Edward."

With a blush, she nodded. "You too, Roy."

Roy lay on the couch, his mind still replaying the night in front of his eyes. His fingers recalled the feeling of her body, his nose recalled the smell of her hair. She had taken over his every sense, and yet all he had done was help her into and out of the bath, before treating her wounds. Never before had he felt like he was going to burst. He wanted her so badly, but he knew better. Running his hand through his hair, he sat upright, his eyes fixed on the dark fireplace. What he would have given to be next to her right now.

His attention was pulled to the hallway as a whimper echoed through the darkness. It didn't take him long to place it, certain it had originated from Edwards room. His feet hit the ground, and moments later he was in her room, his glove on his hand, ready to snap.

Edward lay on her bed, sweat covering her brow as she whimpered again, her head moving from side to side in distress. Slipping off the glove, he moved over to her bed, his hand taking hers in his. The motion seemed to be enough to wake her, as her golden orbs shot open, a look of fear being replaced with embarrassment when she took in his face.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"Not at all. Are you alright?" Roy gently moved her bangs out of her face, his fingers brushing over her skin.

"Just a dream."

"More like a nightmare. Do you want to talk about it?"

The look in her eyes made his stomach lurch. "N-No. I'm fine now." She whimpered softly. If his hand hadn't been on her cheek, he wouldn't have felt the shiver run through her body. With a sigh, he got up, before moving behind her bed, lifting the covers and sliding in bed next to her. "W-what are you doing?"

"I'm going to hold you so you can sleep, what else?"

"You don't have to do that…"

"I want to." Placing a soft kiss against her neck, he whispered in her ear, sending another shiver down her spine. "Get some sleep, Ed. I'll be here when you wake up."

"Roy…"

He couldn't take the guilt any more. "I'm so sorry, Edward." Roy whispered, his face pressed into her hair, as his arms tightened around her slightly. "I'm so sorry I didn't protect you…"

"It's not your fault."

"I should have been there to protect you. This happened to you because I was too pathetic…"

"No, none of this was your fault." Edward turned towards him, ignoring the pain that came with the movements, instead placing her hand against his cheek. "You found me and saved me from that place, so don't you go and blame yourself for this."

"Ed…"

She pressed her lips against his, her golden orbs focused on onyx for just a moment, before they closed, a hum escaping her. Roy was taken aback by the sudden intimacy, and before he could reciprocate the kiss, Ed pulled away from him, a deep blush spreading across her face.

"I'm sorry." She whispered softly, burying her face in his chest. Roy's hand moved under her chin, lifting her eyes so they could meet his, a smile on his lips.

"You should be, Edward." Her face fell, so he continued hastily. "I was going to kiss you first, how dare you beat me to it?" Shock played across her beautiful features, making him laugh softly, his nose nuzzling against hers fondly. "Don't look so shocked. I thought I've made it obvious that I care for you."

"Well, yes. But I'm your subordinate, isn't that what you're supposed to do?" Her voice uncertain. Roy ran his finger across her bottom lip as he spoke, the smile never leaving his lips.

"I care for you in a different way. Edward, I care for everyone under my command, but I love you. I love you like I've never loved anyone before."

"What?" Dumbfounded. She had gone from sad, to confused to dumbfounded in the space of a few seconds. Roy loved the effect he was so obviously having on her.

"I love you Ed." Roy whispered, before his lips pressed against hers, his hand stroking her cheek fondly. Her lips parted slightly when his tongue licked across her lower lip, granting him access to hers. A soft hum escaped her again as his tongue ran over hers fondly, the sound of her pleasure almost too much for him. His other hand ran through her hair as they separated to catch their breaths, his eyes taking in every feature of her face, from her luscious lips to her intense golden orbs. She was so breathtakingly beautiful to him.

"Roy…" She breathed, her lips brushing against his, sending a shiver of pleasure down his spine. "I love you…"

Their lips met again, and Roy was certain if the blanket had not been over him, weighing him down, he would have floated away in sure bliss.

A/N: Sorry if this chapter was a bit disjointed. I've been having a rough few weeks, and despite re-reading this multiple times, I couldn't find a single way to improve it. The next one should be much better. We're also nearing the end, as I didn't intend this fic to be that long. Probably between four and six more chapters, depending on how much I fit into each. Depending on how I decide to end this (still debating that) it might even lead to a sequel. Anyway, feel free to leave a review and message me if you want to chat. Until next time.