Disclaimer: Ya' know. . .I said I'd stop doing these two chapters ago, but here I am, still taking the time out of writing the story to do it! God, I'm stubborn. Well. . .What can I say? I don't own Edward. . .Roy. . .Al. . .(Not that I want to)Winry. . .Or any of the other characters I didn't mention, I'd sure love too, who wouldn't?
Note: Hey, would you look at that, another chappy! YAY! I'm going to respond to some reviews up here to start off with. If your review wasn't replied to, DO NOT FRET MY FRIEND! I shall respond to the rest that I feel deserve responding at the end, so look forward to it!
Sorul, as my Adit, please don't use your review as a place to point out my mistakes, because when I got back, fix them, and replace the chapter, your review may confuse people, so just e-mail me next time ok?(It also makes it right the first time I post it so I don't have to go back a million times. . .) It makes the world an easier place live in, if possible. Plus I check the damn thing every 10 minutes so I WILL get your e-mail, don't fret! Thanks for helping me out otherwise, I really appreciate it and I hope you get an Adit soon. . .You need one, cause you type so damn fast, so get one already!
Shinigami Akumu, you read it! YES! Thanks SOOO much for helping me out with the names and stuff, i've been waiting for someone to mention it Like I said in one of these note thingy's, I had to work with a chinese translation of japanese into english(Sub), so I knew i'd get something wrong. About being a proof read, I already have my Adit to help me out with that so THANK YOU ANYWAYS! I appriciate it! Your right too, some of the Conversations may be abit OOC, but what can I say? I've never watched the real Edward fret over mixed feelings for Roy, but I wish I could! That'd be GREAT!
ANYWHO, anyone else actually taking the time to read this, I hope you enjoy this new chappy and please review.
Chapter Five : In The Evening Sun, I See You
Edward couldn't believe what he had just seen, knowing that there was no way in hell he could've been mistaken."That was Ryan alright! How could I forget his face after. . .after..." his voice faded, slowing down his pace as well, being brought comfort when he noticed Al waving frantically at him.
"NII-SAN! WINRY'S HERE!" The young voice of his brother called after him, sounding absolutely overjoyed.
The golden haired boy looked around Al's surrounding area frantically, waiting for the hyper women to erupt out of no where. Just as he thought it, it happened, and heading in his general direction at top speeds with glitter, bright light, hearts floating, the whole girlish greeting package.
"HI EDWARD!" came Winry's voice from behind Al, becoming louder as the blonde girl approached her childhood friend and pounced directly on top of him.
Edward smiled widely, having never been so happy to see a familiar face such as hers in his life, almost making him forget his troubles completely.
"H-How have you been? Why are you here? Did you get a new mission? Are you leaving soon? What about dinner? Are you hungry?" The girl questioned countlessly, shaking Ed's small body as she did so.
"W-Winry. . .One at a time. . .PLEASE!" the boy pleaded, lifting Winry and himself off the ground with some difficulty.
The three of them left Central's office grounds in search of a proper place to talk, ending up in a small resteraunt that differed slightly from the one Edward had come to love, but knew he couldn't return anytime soon because of his bastard boss. Having ordered, most of the menu belonging to the state alchemist of the group, they ate their meals peacefully and began to discuss their days, starting with Winry.
"Well. . .You saw it didn't you? I was on TV! -Insert girlish squeal- I can't believe it, and one of the world's best mechanic shows too! I'm officially famous, and I'll allow you to say that you know me, if it can get you better accommodations or something." The sun colored blonde giggled to herself, having yet to noticed Al's mesmerized stare directed at her.
Ed found himself trying to hold in his laughter when he realized how dense the women could be, though, he guessed, he always knew how bubble headed Winry was and never really took it into account; it was practically second nature to the girl. Watching the two people before him warmed his heart, a tender smile escaping his lips, making all that happened the night before seem like a bad dream, that was until reality was forced back onto him at the sight of what he could of sworn to be Ryan through the window that sat above their table. The blonde shot from his seat, pushing himself past Winry, making her squeal and fall on Al, and examined through the restaurant window the inhabitants amongst the streets in hopes, or rather dread, that he'd find raven haired man.
Unable to decided whether he was happy that Winry was so close to him and not backing off, or mad that his brother pushed his crush so rudely, Al said, sounding confused,"What's wrong Nii-san? Don't tell me you have food poisining again?"
Winry wiggled her way underneath one of Al's arms, blushing softly, and agreed,"H-How dare you push a lady of my importance out of the way like that! What's-" she stopped when she noticed the fear that filled Ed's expression, nudging Al in his armored side and making him take note of it as well.
"Nii-san. . .?" Alphonse paused, watching his older brother sink back into the seat, sighing and stretching out his arms to rest on the tops of the booth's long, leather seat.
Edward stared at Winry and Al, blinking in an absentminded manner,"W-What? Is there something on my face?" he asked, sounding fine.
The bleach blonde women felt her eye twitch, a vein finding its way to her forehead, pulled out the wrench she always had with her, and smacked it against Ed's golden colored head violently, causing the boy's face to make contact with the table. . .painfuly.
As they stepped out of the resteraunt, a large lump appearant on the back of Full Metal's head, Winry took Al by the clothed hand and asked the small alchemist,"I-Is it ok. . .if I speak with Al alone?"
The suddenly embarrassment in the girls tone, and the hint of pink escaping her cheeks, sent Edward the message immediately, nodding in response to her plea. The small alchemist pretended to walk away, took to nearest corner, and spun around, peering over the edge of the building with his ears pointed to the wind in hopes that the sound would carry. With no luck in hearing the conversation, Ed found himself watching intently, squinting in attempts to read their, or at least, Winry's lips, since Al really didn't have any. To make it easier, Edward started to say what Winry was saying, making sure that what he saw was what she was really saying; sort of like a sound check, Ed thought. His concentration was broken when a picture of a six year old girl blocked his vision of the scene, making him fluster in anger.
"H-Hughes. . .Can't you see I'm busy?" He said through clentched teeth, slowly turning his head in the Lt. Colonel's direction, glaring fiercly.
Maes had a kitten like grin spread across his face, a light blush on his skin, saying sheepishly,"Continue to confess your love for her, Gracia won't mind! Elysia will make a great wife for you one day! You could get married on your birthday's!"
Feeling both embarrassed that he had been heard repeating Winry, and angry that Hughes was the one to catch him, he fought back the erge to wack the older man. His rage would have to wait for later, causing him to wrap his arms around the tall man's head, dragging him down, to keep Maes quiet. Wiggling out of Ed's grip and peeking his head out above the blondes, Hughes instantly understood what was going on and giggled to himself.
"Is she-" Maes began.
"Ya, she is! So SHH!" Edward interrupted, slapping the other man in the stomach.
After what seemed like hours of Al and Winry talking, Ed and Hughes watched as the two embraced each other, and began to walk in their direction. Edward panicked, dragging Maes as far away as possible and as fast as he could, taking another left to face the back of the building. Hearing the two love birds voices pass by loudly, and fade as they distanced themselves, Ed let a breath he was unaware he was holding go.
The blonde glanced up at Maes and said,"I'd better get going if i'm going to make it back before them. . .If their going back that is. See ya!"
Hughes smiled, waving with a bent arm, and walked off into the direction of Central's office building. Ed, despite knowing that he should get back, found himself detouring through the back alley ways of the surrounding area, curiosity forcing him forward. He glanced up at the sky, the sun still bright, but transforming the sky from it's beautiful shade of blue, to a light orange and red; the blonde found himself thinking, I seem to have a thing for noticing the sky in the evening. . .Wait a second. . .
Having seen the building tops that blocked his vision of the sky before, Edward looked ahead of him and found that he had wandered into the abandoned park, making the boy unsure whether to smile or frown with the memories that lied in the area. As if the swing set had a magnetic charge, Ed immediately walked over to it and took a seat in the familiar swing. Rocking himself roughly back and forward, getting enough lift to bring his body closer to the sky, he swung his legs to give himself more air. A smile escaped his lips, exposing his teeth, and the blonde began to laugh unlike anything he had for a long time. Coincidentally, a certain Colonel happen to walk by and catch the heavenly sound, turning on his heels to see who belonged to it.
"So. . .The Full Metal Alchemist really is a child? And I thought it was an act. . ." Roy said matter-a-factly, a hint of sarcasim in his tone.
Edward jerked his head in Mustang's direction, losing his grip, and went flying off the swing. The Colonel dropped the bag he was holding, dashed over to the small alchemist's aid, and caught him as he had the night the two of them shared the park knowingly.
Recovering from the sudden outburst of clumsiness, Ed found himself being held, rather strangely, by Mustang."O-OH! I'm sorry! You just came out of no where - and then - I just" he studdered, waving his arms frantically, jumping off the Colonel.
Roy rubbed the back of his head, dusting himself off with the other, and stated,"Well. . .I couldn't say that's the reaction I was expecting, considering what happed last time I made you fly off a swing."
The blonde blinked, slouching with an arm resting on each leg, and said with averted eyes,"I-I was just mad then, but it wasn't really deliberate on your part this time around. So, there's nothing to blaim you for. . .That is unless you want to talk about what happened back at your offi-"
Cutting Ed off, Mustang got to his feet, dusted off his butt, and turned his back to the small alchemist, and walked over to his fallen groceries. Edward became flustered, but as to why he wasn't entirely sure. He thought it could've been because Roy just suddenly acted like he wasn't there, or maybe it was the fact that, for the second time, the raven haired man was avoiding the subject of the picture that was supposed to be his brother, but Ed knew it to be Ryan.
Full Metal found his voice and yelled after the Colonel,"Why won't you talk about it with me? I just want to know-"
"Why? What could could you possibly gain by knowing such mediocre information about my past? WHAT?" Roy interrupted, leaving his back to the blondes sight, but being clear as to how he felt with the subject through his tone.
Feeling guilty and confused, Edward got to his feet and began to walk away, stoping only to say,"I just wanted to know the truth behind it all . . . Althought, I suppose you'd have no reason to understand what I'm talking about, would you?" With that, as he walked off, he called,"I'll be at the station at 1!"
Roy finally looked behind him, watching the blondes distancing form, and felt the last statment the blonde said linger with him."What did he mean by that? Reason to understand. . .? Understand what?"
The Colonel shrugged it off as best he could, dusted off the contents of the bag that had fallen out, headed back to his car, and drove off to his home, still plagued by Full Metal's voice.
In order to reach his apartment before his younger brother and his new "girlfriend", Edward was running at light speeds, actually making it back in time. Catching his breath, the blonde plopped his small body on the livingroom couch and stared up at the ceiling, his automail resting on the edge of the couch. After a minute of just staring, he glanced out the window behind him and saw no presence of either his brother or Winry, making him feel slightly worried.
"It's probably nothing. . ." he said in order to convince himself, continuing in a voice that expressed awe. "So. . .They're finally together, after all this time of watching them and complaing to myself about it, it's actually happened." Edward smiled at the thought, leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees.
"Guess I'll get ready!" Ed announced to the empty room.
The small alchemist stood up, walking into his bedroom, and began to grab clothing, maps, whatever he thought he needed for the mission, and shoved them into a nearby suitcase. When he finished that, he hopped into the shower, got clean, hopped right back out, got dry, and dressed himself in his usual outfit. By the time he had finished everything he needed to do, he left the bedroom, suitcase in hand, and examined the room for any signs of life ... Nothing.
Edward was starting to really feel worried at that point, dropping his things by the door and forced it open to start looking for the two. Just as he stepped out, Ed was greeted by two smiling faces, both of them rather creepy in Ed's opinion.
"That was fun! I've never thought of it that way!" Al yelled, overjoyed, ignoring his older brothers presence.
"I told you! All you had to do was stand still and it was over faster then you knew it! Look at you! Your glowing!" Winry replied, just as happy, and just as unaware of Ed's form before them.
The blonde couldn't help but wonder what either of them were talking about, blushing at some ideas that came to mind, and punched his face to rid himself of such thoughts. As the two of them were only inches away, they pushed past Ed, leaving enough time for the boy to snatch his case, and slammed the door behind him. The incoherant voices behind the door forced Ed's golden eyes to stay plastered on the wooden surface, until everything became quiet.
"I wonder if their drunk. . .Winry on liquor and Al on her. It'd make sence. Hmm. . ." He said to himself, lifting his suitcase, walking out of the complex, and began to head in the direction of the station with an hour to spare.
As he got to the train, thrity minutes until one at that point, he bought his ticket and waited at the middle platform, sitting on his case in substitute for a seat. The time slowly thinned, giving the blonde plenty to stare off into space, his main target being the now bright orange sky, seen through the large windows that covered the ceiling of the station. It was a wonder how the evening could reach Central so early as 1:00pm, but that wasn't what Edward was thinking about. The memories of the reoccurring times the blonde had witnessed the Colonel in such light floated through his mind, giving his appearance a dreamy look. It was almost as if the sun, the way it was, was the representation of Mustang in its self for the state alchemist, making him unsure as to whether he hated it or not. Without Ed realizing it, Roy had gotten to the station with ten minutes to 1, and had taken a seat next to him.
Reaching over and placing a hand on the blondes shoulder, Roy whispered,"You know, you could always just of sat in the train and waited for me?"
With the sudden sound of Mustang's deep voice, Ed jumped, falling off his suitcase and onto the pavement."W-When did you get here?" he questioned, getting to his feet and gripping his case.
"Just after you did. . .Or at least I hope so. You haven't been waiting for me long have you? It would've been cooler in the train." The tall man replied, also standing up.
Ed shot a glance at the giant clock above the ticket clerk,"N-No. . .Not really. I figured it'd be easier for you to find me if I was out here, instead of inside-" He pointed a finger at the train.
Roy let a smile escape his lips, lifting his own suitcase and leading the way inside the train, picking their seats. As the two of them got confortable physically, mentally it felt like they had guns pointed at their heads. Even as the train was moving along, neither of the two spoke to each other, seemingly leaving the people around them vibes of rivalry, or a lovers spat depending on the person.
"It's beautiful isn't it . . ?" Roy whispered, staring out at the scenery that passed by, taking it all in despite the speeds.
The way the older man said such words sent chills up the blondes spine,"Y-Ya, it is. . ."
Something about the exchange in words was familiar, even the picture before him, causing Edward to think on it, bringing him to a horrific conclusion. The blonde threw a hand to his mouth, feeling the contents of his stomach churn, in an attempt to hide his expression. Unfortantly for the blonde, Roy noticed, and quite fast he might add.
"What's wrong? Do you feel sick?" The deep voice of the Colonel questioned, reaching forward a hand and resting it on the boy's knee.
Edward flinched at the sudden contact and shook his head, letting his hand fall to his side in an unconfortable manner."I-I'm fine. . .I just thought of something unpleasant." he stated flatly, resting his head against the window with tired eyes. It had felt like an eternity since Edward had gotten a good nights rest, which led him to falling asleep with his face pressed against the warm glass surface. Without the worry of a nightmare befalling him, Edward continued to dream of nothing, which was the best kind of dream in the boy's opinion.
Mustang watched the small alchemist sleep, finding the scene to be conforting, also making the Colonel to want to doze off as well, but felt it irresponsible to do so. His dark brow eyes fell on the passing valley, watching it intently in order to keep himself awake, but had no need to concentrate when the train jerked, causing the blonde before him to fall forward. Reaching out and catching him with one hand, Roy thought for a second, and then placed the boy's body against his own, letting Ed use his arm as a pillow. They remained like that for a long time, the heavy atmosphere that had been there dissipating as time went on, and a new gentle, serene feeling to come about. By the way Full Metal had stayed asleep when the train jerked as it did, Roy could tell that the blonde had been losing sleep, but as to why he couldn't think of anything, that is until the quarrel between the two of them in his office earlier that day came to mind.
Even if it really was my brother. . .What would cause him to react like that? I mean, the last time we talked about that Ryan Stratus guy, he acted much differently. . .It's almost as if- The Colonel thought, interrupted when he felt his sleeve tugged on, gripped tightly.
Roy's dark optics fell on the blonde, confused as to what was wrong shown in his expression. He scooted his body in a posission to view Edward more clearly, softening the boy's grip a bit, and stared at him.
"N-No. . .Stop...!" Ed spat softly, his brows curving upwards and tears forming at the edges of his eyes.
Mustang thought for a moment and spoke,"Stop what? What's happening?" he asked, hoping that by speaking to him Ed might answer back.
Just as he predicted, the blonde responded,"Let-Let go. . .of me. . .Don't touch me. . .there!"
The Colonel blushed uncontrolably, forcing the boy's grip off his sleeve and moving to the seat the blonde had originally been sitting in, a hand covering his mouth in surprise. The older man couldn't help but glance at the other passangers, relieved when none of them seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary.
Edward fell on his side, using the entire seat as a resting place, still looking pained, and mumbled in the tiniest of voices,"R-Ryan. . .stop..."
Something clicked in the Colonel's mind with those last words, making everything suddenly so clear. He brought his gaze onto the boy, unsure how to react to the shocking news, but then he cleared his throat, thinking things through.
O-Ok. . .Maybe what I believe isn't right. . .I could have it all wrong, but then what about the way I found him last night? That would explain alot of things, even answer my question as to why he'd react the way he did when he saw the picture of my . . . brother. Wait a second -
Mustangs began to rub his temple, feeling suddenly stressed and tired, aggravation filling his inner monologue.
My brother. . .He's dead! There's no possible explaination for Full Metal to claim that this Stratus-guy is my brother! Then again. . .
The way the Colonel held himself, and the expression on his face, all changed suddenly, giving off an aura of hatred and depression.
If what Edward says is true. . .The only thing I can think of is that. . .My mother suceeded in her research, but I have living proof right infront of me that Human Transmutation is impossible without losing something in return! Unless the reason she died was . . . NO NO NO! That's all wrong, she couldn't of had! Mother wasn't that stupid, was she? Uhg. . .
Glancing at the small form on the seat ahead of him, he eased up when he noticed the calm expression plastered the boy's face, or as calm as he was going to get. Sighing and resting his chin in the palm of his hand, he relaxed, mezmorized once again by the scenery of the area outside. From that point on, neither of the two made physical contact, nor did the blonde wake up, and Roy finally got a few winks of sleep.
After Talk!
Woot Woot! I finally finished this chappy! I know, it kind sucks but I had fun writing it still. The next chappy will be up soon, and alot better then this one! The plot thickens with this one, making your mind either boggled, or take a hike, but that's what I want you to do lol! Is this chappy shorter too? I think it is. . .I had a LIGHT case of writers block when I wrote this one, which is probably the cause off all of the above, heh. Anyways, I hope you liked this crappy chapter and I ALSO hope you can't wait for the next one! See ya!
Kyuubi-chan's Review Reply!
(Since I promised at the beginning!)
Pyromatches: Hey! That's a cute song! To answer your question, if I told you how, i'd ruin the plot, so just wait for the next chapter ok? I think i'll answer it by then! Thanks for reading!
Eyes-of-Truth: Lol, I love Roy too! Or else why would I pair him with my precious Edward ne? Anywho, thanks for the compliment and for reading! I hope you liked this chapter despite it being crap
kat: I'm really glad you like my story, and for giving me the reaction I wanted: ) I wanted it to be involving. I hope you'll keep reading!
Shadow Vampiress: For a story that envolves Roy and Ed is this to your liking? Thanks for coming back and reading/reviewing! Adios (lol)
JJ: Compared to what Shinigami Akumu said, the characters being IC, I thank thee for such words! I'm also pleased you like the plot, it's taken many hours of thinking to put together, along with last minute changes. I hope you continue to read and thank you for reviewing!
br14nn4: You would like to join me on my journey to the land of Pockey and Hot men? OK! Being smothered in Japanese candy and Bishi's is always more fun with someone to share it with, let us be off! And thanks for being my "reviewer" as you put it, I appriciate it!
Sasameyuki: Damn cliffhanger. . .lol. . .I laughed when you said that, I updated! YAY! I hope you like it and I wish to see you return!
Fading Wind: Holy crap! Hong Kong! Your all the way over there? Wow. . .Must be different compared to here. I'm glad you like my story and sorry if the chapters seem too long for you, looking like 10 chaps as you put it, but I feel more accomplished when I have longer chaps. This one should be to your liking though, I found it fairly short. Thanks alot for reading all the way from Asia!
That's all for now! See you all again, I hope, and enjoy the story! I'll update as fast as possible and make the next chappy better! I PROMISE O.O