For the past month or so, Edward had been a little wiser concerning the health and safety of his baby. He'd avoided missions like the plague, and thanks to Roy's help, he didn't even have to tell anyone that he was pregnant. The man did his best to avoid giving Ed any, making up excuses (like having to punish Edward for pulling some prank with office work, or the expenses), but when that wasn't possible Roy actually snuck off and went in his place, for which Edward was eternally grateful.

Still, all that precaution might have been for nothing, and he couldn't forget that. Now, with Ed sitting flanked on either side by Roy and Al at the doctor's once more, was the time to find out.

Ted had called them in, though Edward couldn't guess what made today special. What about this particular time (just a week or two over a month) in his pregnancy made the doctor think he would be able to tell if his baby was okay? Of course, Ed wasn't going to question Ted's decision, as the man was ten times as experienced as he would ever be…but still. He was curious.

And nervous. He couldn't deny that. After all, Edward had been beating himself up all month over potentially having ended his baby's life when it had only barely begun…he gulped, trying to stifle the negative thoughts. They wouldn't help anything.

He could feel both Roy and Alphonse watching him. Another reason to control himself; he didn't want to have another embarrassing meltdown in front of either one of them.

Finally, finally the nurse called him in. Ed felt a little light headed standing up and walking back to Ted's office. Now was the moment.

He was about to sit down again, when the doctor motioned for him to stop. "I'll get straight to business, Ed. I know you must be anxious." Edward nodded, and he continued. "If you could, please lift your shirt up—or just take it off, whatever you prefer."

That was an odd request, but Ed only shrugged and pulled his shirt up and over his head, tossing it in the empty chair.

There was an immediate reaction from his two companions. Roy, eyebrows raised, let out a soft, fascinated, "Hmm." Alphonse, on the other hand, gasped somewhat more dramatically.

"What?" Edward asked, staring down at his stomach. He wasn't showing or anything—even if his baby was fine, it was way too early for that (something he now knew, having read everything he could about pregnancy after his accident). "What's wrong?"

"You can't tell, Brother?"

"Tell what, Al?" Ed asked impatiently. He didn't see how this had anything to do with his baby, and whatever it was, he was pretty sure this distraction could wait.

"You stomach," Roy answered. "Your abs, actually. Can't you tell? They're much less defined."

Again, Edward's gaze turned to his abdomen. Were they? He couldn't see a difference. "You guys are nuts."

"Actually, Ed," Ted interjected, "they're right. The muscles in your stomach aren't very noticeable at all, anymore. You probably just haven't noticed it because it's been a gradual change, and because it's not like they've disappeared entirely. They're just smaller."

Now that the doctor explained it, Edward thought maybe he could see a little difference. Maybe his abs were a little less obvious than before. "Okay, so what? I'm not here so that we can speculate on my fitness level…"

Ted shook his head, smiling indulgently. "No, this has nothing to do with your fitness. As I'm sure you're aware, you haven't been pregnant long enough to have that classic 'baby bump.' But it would appear that your lower body is changing, softening up so to speak."

Oh. That made sense; now that Ed thought about it, he wouldn't just go from abs of steel to a baby bump. There had to be some transition, which apparently was where he was at now. A thought hit him; if his body was changing for his baby, then… "Does that mean my baby's okay!?" he shrieked, unable to contain himself.

The doctor before him grinned full on, eyes glimmering. "Well, you've definitely still got a little one growing in there."

Before now, Edward had always thought people were exaggerating when they said no words could describe what they felt, but he suddenly found himself in the same predicament. "Happy," was like saying he was depressed. Perhaps "elation" was the closest, but Ed was so far past that…joyful tears burned his eyes, and for once he didn't care that he probably looked ridiculous.

Roy smiled along with Ted as he announced the good news, and his grin just kept growing as he watched Edward. The boy was just so damn adorable—there was no other way to describe it. He was about to cry, but also smiling so hard his cheeks looked like they were going to bust. The blonde's hands had descended (as they often did, now, which was another thing Roy found, quite simply, cute) to his stomach.

The attachment, the love Ed felt for his little mystery baby was astounding. And though Roy was sure there was something not quite right about thinking your pregnant, male, underage subordinate was just plain sweet when he was doting on his baby…well, he didn't particularly care.

This just wasn't a sight that could afford any other reaction.

"Now, I do have to warn you…" Ted said, voice taking a more serious turn. "I can't rule out any defects. Your baby is alive, yes, but he or she might be born with irregularities, like—"

"I don't care," Edward interrupted. "I don't care at all. My baby's okay—at least, alive—and that's all that matters. I'll deal with any defects if they come, but…that doesn't matter."

"Fair enough," the doctor responded. He stood, grabbing Ed's shirt and handing it to him. "In that case, that's all. You've got your answer," he continued, as Edward pulled his clothing back on. "And there's nothing else I have to cover right this instant. I'll see you on your next visit."

Alphonse, apparently unable to contain himself any longer, jumped over and hugged Ed tightly. Roy was less forward, simply placing a hand on Edward's shoulder, but he could see the light in the man's eyes.

It was gratifying to see that he wasn't the only one excited about his baby, though distinctly odd to see the unknowing father in that state…Ed pushed the thought away. Now just wasn't the time, he was too happy to worry about explanations now.

What Roy suggested next sounded much more appropriate. "So, how about we go and celebrate? My treat."

So sappy.

Hope everyone's cool with that.

I'm not sure how many of you've already seen this, but I have a poll up on my profile about a new story I want to start! It would be a big help if you could take the time to vote, I need opinions~ Thanks!