Disclaimer: Alas. . .I still do not own the lovely, spectacular, wonderful, spledid, and - uh - great Full Metal Alchemist. But someday, when the world is in chaos, I'll be there with FMA clasped tightly in my hands, prepared for the end! -Cried tears of insperation- I promise! TT--TT
Note: To make things clear, I can't promise that "things" won't happen to Al, or Roy, or even Ed, so sorry Shinigami Akumu! Forgive me! Now, I hope you like this chapter still, even if events happen that you're not particuarly pleased about . . . It's just story development!
Thank you all for reading and I'd like it if you'd please REVIEW. Oh, if you're a new reader, and you're only reviewing now, don't apologize! I've had that happen too many times. I don't mind if you review only after finishing this chapter, I know the feeling! I've done that one too many times, but I don't think I ever apologized about it . . . Hmmm . . . ANYWAYS, all I care for is that you've enjoyed the story so far so, no saying "sorry, got it? You'll also have to forgive me with the time it took to finish this chappy. . .It's been wall-to-wall homework since school started and I've been writing as much as I can! (which isn't alot!) I'll be posting a ONE SHOT AlxEd story sometime soon so look forward to it ok? That is, if you like that pairing.
See you all at the end! (Now, do I mean the "end" of this chapter or the "end" of the world. . .The choice is yours. . . )
Chapter Eight : Insult To Injury
It seemed to take a lifetime to reach the apartment Edward and Al both reffered to as "home". The silence between the two was killing the blonde, tearing away at him as if he were the one to blame for Winry's death. That feeling only made it more clear to Ed that it was his fault, or so he thought.
As the blonde held open the door for his shock-struck brother, his heart began to race, forcing his mind to do the same. Oh God . . . Al must hate me now, just like back then! I was so scared to ask, but I know for sure that he must hate me. . .
Before the boy could think further, from across the room Alphonse spoke."W-Why do you think this happened to her? How could someone be so-so cruel?"
Edwards heart felt as if it'd explode from his chest at those very words, as if he had been waiting for them the entire time but hadn't expected them."I-I'm not sure-"
"NII-SAN!" Al screamed, causing the small alchemist to jump and slam the door shut."I know you know what happened, don't you? TELL ME!"
Having been facing the door he just slammed, Ed slowly turned to face his brother, a nervous sweat sliding down his cheeks."T-There's something I've been meaning to ask you. . .but I've been to scared to." He began, using all his strength to ignore the tension and take a seat near his brother on the surprisingly neat bed.
"The night that we tried to transmutate our mom. . ." He paused, fearing the answer of his unfinished question.
Al was beginning to sence that there was a connection between the day of the "incident" and what had happened earlier that day."Go on . . . "
Edward swallowed the lump in his throat and finished what he started."Do you blame me for that? What I mean is, do you hate me for it?"
Having heard what he had, the metallic boy found himself easing a bit, approaching his brother slowly."How could I hate you for it? We both made the decision to do what we did, and we both suffered the consequences. Anyways, you hold enough hate and blame against father for the both of us."
The blonde let out a tiny laugh, wiping away the tears at the bridge of his eyes shamefully."Alright then. . .I'll tell you what happened."
Resting his armored body against the cold wall, Al rested his gaze on his brother, seemingly calm which made Ed all the more at ease.
"A few days ago, I had recieved a mission to Kikar. You know, the one that you and I faught about whether or not you could go."
"Oh, that one! I must of been pretty predictable, you found me so fast. . ."
Smiling a bit more at that point, Ed nodded and continued,"Well, as I arrived, there were problems right away. . ."
An Hour Later . . .
"Next thing I know, I transmutated a hole in the hotel room wall and jumped out, running as fast as I possibly could. All I could think about was getting away from Ryan and getting somewhere safe. I ended up doing one, but not the other. After I was a good distance away, with no signs of being followed, I leaned against a alley way wall and just slid my way down, until I was sitting. My mind was filled with thoughts, but none of them could be made out. It was practically a blur. Next thing I know, the Colonel is standing infront of me and I'm at a loss for words." Ed's voice faded, remembering the night vividly.
Al had not stopped his brother once; on the contrary, he had been moving the blonde right along in the story and wanted to know every detail. The only word that could explain his feelings on his brother's past events was dumbfounded, and that wasn't even the gist of it.
"How come you didn't tell me sooner Nii-san? I might've been able to-"
"To help? How could you?" Ed interrupted, his voice showing signs of aggitation.
The metallic boy was once again silent, with nothing more to say that would be of any use. It seemed as if Ed was becoming more and more distant those days, and the story his older brother had disclosed unto him made the thought more true. Having been quiet, and thinking intensely on the subject, Al was startled by the sudden movement of his older brother standing."Where are you going. . .?"
The blonde sighed inwardly, looking more tired then he had before."Out." He said shortly, leaving the apartment after having just gotten in not too long ago. Although he wanted to stay with his younger brother, Edward didn't have the strength to look Alphonse in his lifeless eyes and confront all he had just told him.
Stepping out into the streets to Central, Ed quickly realized that it was raining and thrashed the back of his neck for his hood. Yanking the smooth red fabric over his head, the small alchemist began his stroll that would allow him some private time.
Walking along the area Ed realized that Central looked more sullen and remorseful when it rained, and for no logical reason, it calmed him. The punishment for not watching where he was going however, was running into an innocent bystander . . .a very tall innocentbystander.
"And what, may I ask, are you doing out here in this kind of wheather?" questioned the deep, soothingly familiar voice of the Colonel.
Ed's gaze jerked upwards and locked with the mans dark optics, entranced by their kind expression that was so tenderly staring down at him."Uh, I just told Al all about my little escapade with Rya-I mean, Tobias. Leaving the apartment was the only thing I could think of. . .I'm too-" he paused, lowering his head to keep his golden eyes out of Roy's vision,"-too ashamed to look him in the face. . .After all, it's my fault Winry's dead! I-If it wasn't for me, and the way I disobeyed Tobias, she might still be alive. . .and with Al." Whether or not Ed thought it was the rain sinking through his hood, or possibly a nervous sweat, he was sure that he was, at that point, crying.
Mustang stared down at the boy, his expressing unwavering from the kind, sympathetic one he had been wearing. He didn't know what to say, especially about Rockbell's accident, and it left the man feeling both powerless and helpless. Without even thinking about it, Roy reached out and patted the sopping wet hood of Ed's coat, as if to pat his actual head.
Without warning or the time to take in the gentle sentiment, Edward sneezed loudly, causing both himself and the Colonel to jump."A-Ah! I'm sorry! I-I guess this wheather's just finally starting to get to me!" he said without thinking, realizing too late that he had just apologized to Mustang casually and without argument attatched.
Unable to contain himself, the Colonel hurled forward, laughing."H-How about you stop by my house to dry off? Obviously you don't want to go home and I'd rather you not freeze to death. C'mon, it's just past those two buildings over there-" he said generously, pointing to two very large structures that seemed to barely have enough room between them to let a human pass through, let alone two.
Disreguarding his feelings on the path ahead of him, Edward accepted the offer, thinking it to be the most logical choice despite it being "Roy's" house. The two of them squeezed their way through the small passage between the the two buildings, giving Mustang plenty of oppertunities to point out Ed's height which he, surprisingly, didn't take. The moment they were free the image before them was spectacular, putting aside that it was still raining and had it been sunny, it'd look more inviting, but it was still a sight to see. That was the second time in his life that Edward found himself amazed by a house, the first time being Nina's house.
Roy quickly walked ahead and opened the door for the small alchemist, shaking off his umbrella and throwing it inside."Well, what are you waiting for? Or are you shrinking again?"
A vein had found it's way to the blonde's forehead as he spat,"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A FLY SO SMALL YOU WOULDN'T EVEN NOTICE IF IT FLEW UP YOUR NOSE!"
Mustang let out a laugh and motioned for the boy to hurry up, which Edward did, but in an aggitated fashion. The two quickly scrambled inside and closed the door behind them, finding the warm air that touched their skin to be wonderful. Full Metal took a strand of hair into his grasp and slipped two fingers down it, releasing the water that had clung to it.
"Uhg . . . I hate rainy days. My poor hair . . ." He muttered, unaware that a towel had been thrown at him. Realizing one second too late, the white object landed ontop of the boy's head and covered his vision."T-Thanks . . . "
The Colonel smirked,"Well, I wouldn't want you to soak my brand new carpet." he responded smugly, ruffling a towel through his own hair; even an umbrella can't stop ALL the water from hitting a person.
Taking the comment lightly, Ed slipped off his soaking wet shoes and jacket and placed them by the door, his jacket hanging heavily on the coat rack. He then unbuckled his over shirt and placed it beside his jacket to supply balance.
Without even realizing it, Roy had been watching the small alchemist undress intently, as if looking for an opening to - Wait . . . What was I going to do? It almost sounded like I - he began in thought, interrupted when he felt a fist gently hit his arm.
"What's wrong with you?" The blonde asked, looking up at the Colonel questioningly.
Mustang cleared his throat and responded, sounding perfectly normal,"Nothing's wrong . . . The fire place is in the living room if you want to warm up. I'll go make us something warm to drink."
Edward watched the Colonel walk off, his expression wavering between confused and thankful."Fire place in the living room huh?" He started, bringing his attention to his surroundings."But where the hell is the living room?" His voice trailed off as he began his search within the large house for his desired location.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Roy had pulled out two packages of Ovaltine and a gallon of milk, pouring the powdery substances into two glasses, closely followed by the milk."I know he hates milk but I'm sure he won't even notice if it's brown . . . and chocolatey. At least, I hope not. An argument at this time of night, and after what happened with Rockbell, is the last thing I need . . . I take that back, it's the last thing either of us need." he told himself, stiring the mixtures together and sliding them carefully into the microwave, setting the time to two minutes and starting it up.
As he waited he leaned against the kitchen counter, running a hand through his raven colored hair."What am I doing? Since when have I ever invited a co-worker to my place that wasn't Riza? Then again, when that women wants me to finish my work and goes to the trouble of coming to my home, it's either invite her in or die." Mustang sighed inwardly and threw his head back, staring at the ceiling until he heard the microwave "ding". Without any concern as to the heat protruding from either mug, the Colonel lazily took them by their handles and walked into the living room that was across the hall and to a left. Stepping inside he noticed almost immediately that the room was minus a certain alchemist.
"OI! FULL METAL! WHERE ARE YOU?" He yelled outside the living room door, having set the pair of mugs on a table that rested infront of the couch that overlooked the fire.
Jumping in place at the sudden noise, Edward whirled around and looked down into the corridor from a staircase railing."I-I'M ON THE STAIRS!" he called back, feeling embarassed for not being in the direction of where he was supposed to be.
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING? THE LIVING ROOM IS DOWN HERE! HURRY UP BEFORE YOUR DRINK GETS COLD!" Roy responded, leaning himself against the wall outside the living room, waiting for the unexpecting blonde.
The small alchemist quickly made his way down the staircase and headed in the direction of Roy's voice, cursing under his breath as he found a way to blame the Colonel for his absence in the right area.
"I'm so glad you could join me . . . Now c'mon, it's cold out here."
Edward jerked his vision in the direction of the voice, finding Mustang staring at him with a smirk plastered to his face."Well, I wouldn't have been lost if you'd had told me where the damn room was!" He whinned, only causing the older man to let out a sneer and walk inside before him. Blushing from even futher embarassment, the blonde quickly followed and shut the door behind him. As he walked inside, Ed immediately felt a warm sensation flow through him, noticing the fire radiantly burning in its apointed location. With little attention to the rest of the room, the boy walked over to the couch opposite Mustang and sat down.
"Here . . ." Roy whispered, handing the steaming mug to the small alchemist.
Full Metal nodded with thanks and brought the object to his lips, sipping longingly at the liquid for further warmth."Hmmm . . . There's something familiar about the taste. What is this?" he asked, sounding dumbfounded.
The Colonel merely smiled to himself, taking a sip of his own drink. As he lowered it from his mouth, he set the cup on the table infront of him and locked his gaze with the boy's golden optics.
"I'm sorry . . ." Roy whispered, lowering his head as he leaned forward and placed his face in his open palms.
The blonde was taken back, gently placing the mug on the table infront of him, guiding his gaze to fall on the older man."What are you sorry for?" he asked lightly, as if unphased.
Mustang threw his head up and stared at the boy in disbelief,"What do you mean 'what am I sorry for'? My mistake of a tansmutated brother killed the women who loved Alphonse and your dear childhood friend! It's my fault more then anyones that Winry Rockbell is dead and you know it! Don't you dare act like you have no idea what I'm talking about . . ." he spoke sternly, but it was obvious that the Colonel wanted to cry with the way his voice was cracking.
Edward's expression remained unphased, but with an added emphasis of his own disbelief at Roy's behavior."When I found out how a Humunculus was created, I thought of my mother right away and I didn't want to believe that she might've transformed into an entity like Tobias. If she did, and had done things much like your brother, then it'd be mine and Alphonse's fault for bringing that creature into this world . . . Although, it would be more my fault then his. What I'm trying to say is, I don't blame you for what happened to Winry because I know what it feels like . . . Or at least I can simulate the feeling if I think about it from your point of view and add my mother in the mix." The blonde sighed and wearily stared at his entwined hands, smiling like a fool."I'm porbably making no sence but I just wanted to try and make you understand that I don't blame you one bit 'cause it'd be hypocritical to do so and I'm already enough of a hypocrite-"
Without warning, and any thought leading to such an action, the Colonel shot up from his seat and pulled the blonde close enough to himself to lock his lips with Ed's. Absolutely shocked, the small alchemist stared into Roy's face, feeling himself fall under the spell of the kiss and allowing his eyes to shut. They remained lip-locked until the older one of the two pushed away, walking to the living room door and stepping outside it, closing the wooden object behind him.
Full Metal threw his hands over his mouth and fell against the couch, his face burning bright red with a dizzt sensastion befalling him. W-What the heck just happened? Did the Colonel and I . . . JUST KISS? What the hell is going on! He thought restlessly, turning onto his back with his eyes wide from delayed shock.
Meanwhile in the hall way, Roy was too embarassed to show his face inside the room he stood next to, so as an ulternative he walked up his staircase and locked himself in his room, drowing in self-pity . . . Or stupidity, he wasn't sure.
Feeling able to move at last, Edward shot from the couch, dashed out of the living room, into the hallway, took a right, and found himself infront of the entrance. With no longing to stay in the Colonel's house any longer, the blonde threw on his still soaked coat and walked out into the rain.
Hearing the front door slam shut Roy knew that the small alchemist was gone, feeling even worse then he had before he had entered his room."He didn't even say goodbye . . ." Mustang whispered into his palm.
"That bastard didn't even stick around to see my reaction . . ." Edward pouted, kicking an innocent rock.
And together, without even knowing it, the two of them stated to the silence . . .
"Just add insult to injury why dont'cha"
After Talk!
OMG! That took SOOO long to finish and it wasn't even that much! Forgive me my dear fans, for the length of this chapter, but with school being the bitch it is, I was only able to do about this much. My homework load, fortunately, has dwindled down considerably so the next chapter will hopefully be done faster, and have alot more too it! I changed my name! Now I'm an alchemist just like Ed! YAY! It's almost 2 am so if there's any major mistakes, you'll have to forgive me for that as well since, you know, I'm sleepy and I was about to pass out numerous times while finishing this heh...heh . . . ANYWAYS, I hope you liked it all the same! It's kinda cheesy and I had more planned for this chapter then is written, but this is all I could do for now. ROY AND ED FINALLY PROGRESSED! wOOtNeSs - If I do say so myself!Hmmm . . . that's all I can think of to say for now, except maybe THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THOSE I KNOW FROM DEVIANT ART AND THE VINNY THAT READ MY FANFIC! LOVE YA!
The Cruel Alchemist's Review Corner!
Shadow Vampiress - Wacks Roy on the head and then runs for her life T-There! I hit him for you but now he wants to kill me! ACK! O.O HERE HE COMES! Hides in a random Central trashcan T--T; I'll be safe for the time being . . . Just between you and me, Roy never really planned on giving Ed up to Tobias! Shock He just wanted the chance to kick the crap out of his brother and get rid of him. Thanks for reviewing! Adios - !
Shinigami Akumu - I've always cheered on the Japanese voices more then the English voices in ANY anime, with the occasional exception. Roy voice is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much smexier in Japanese then English and I want to punch the director for his pic in actors! Al's is horrible, Ed's is ok(Vic is cool), Roy's isn't smexy, Armstrong's is sorta ok, Hawkeye's annoys the HELL out of me, so does Winry(Then again, so does her Japanese voice), and then there's all the little extras - -;; Can you say "BLEH!" SHEESH! I couldn't ask for a more horrid cast! Sigh Anywho, I hope you like this chapter with the almost microscopic Roy and Ed kissing scene! I promise it'll get steamier then that -LoL- and possibly more problematic XP Sorry they didn't duke it out but when I thought about it I didn't want to show off Tobias's REAL moves this early on. Thanks for reading! I always love your long reviews X3 They're a joy to read!
Mimiachu - Thank you for reviewing on my FIRST and SEVENTH chapter! I'm so happy you liked it! Sorry this chappy's so small but you should know by now why. Sigh I hate school - -;; Sorry for killing off Winry too! Bows In all honesty, I'm not a Winry fan at all so I didn't think heavily on the decision to kill her, but I know some people really enjoy her character so I didn't bash her once in this story. Gomen kudasai!
me aka. Ari - O.O If you kill Tobias before I even finish the story that might pose as a problem. . . -JK- Thank you for reading and I'm glad you liked it so much! Oh, and running with guns is dangerous so, why not jog?
br14nn4 - Yeah . . . Winry died, horribly and slowly . . . and painfully O twitch Can you tell I hate her? Anywho, I hope you're alright! You mentioned Hurricane Katrina and I just pray you're not stuck in the middle of it! Now there's two other hurricanes to worry about too; Wilma and Fred . . . Stupid names if you ask me but I wouldn't complain if it was hurdling in my general direction heh-heh - -;;;;;; Nervous laugh I live sooo far away from the ocean and on top of a mountainous area so I don't have to worry about that kind of thing, but so many other people do and I feel guilty . . . Stay safe alright! BTW, you have permission to kill my school
kat - So you believe it's Ed's fault too? Glances over at Ed and he starts to bawl, leeping into Roy's arms Hmmm . . . Well, this chapter goes over that thoroughly and I hope you like it! XD Sorry for the shortness though . . . TT TT
FMA-fangirl - I'm psyched you liked it so much, just don't have a heart attack over it . . . I wouldn't want to have to deal with a law suit O.o Thanks for reading! Oh . . . and of course I'd leave you on a cliffhanger like that! I AM the CRUEL Alchemist after all MUHAHAHAHAHA!
Amora Llanowar - You saved it? Wow, thanks . . . I feel honored bows to have my story saved! Thanks so much for reading and sticking with my fanfic! I hope you enjoyed this chapter
Sesshoumaru-bishounen - Thank you very much for reading my fic! I'm uber happy to know that it's neat and the length is appriciated. Some people complain about long fics, which I hate because the length of the chapter shouldn't be considered a problem in my opinion, but the quality! On average my chapters are about 12-15 pages long, when I've enough time to write that is. - -; I love Roy and Ed as pair too X3 but I'm sure that was obvious -lol- Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read!
thedeathalchemist - I haven't decided how I'm going to deal with Tobias yet, but I know I'll probably make him pay for his crimes! You can be sure of that! Thanks for reading!
Sorul - The only reason it didn't shock you is because I told you about it AGES ago! XP I'm sure you DO like TMI's, but other people don't . . . that much I know for a fact. Oh, and I'm still waiting for that e-mail with the mistake . . . I don't remember if I fixed it or not so tell me alright? YOU NEED TO UPDATE ON YOUR FANFICS DAMMIT! Shackled Rose especially! I want Anzu to die O evil twitch Clunk Clunk Clunk I'm A Huge Hunk Of Metal . . . T T; I felt like saying it!
ile - ILE-NEESAMA! YAY! You read it! I'm sooooooooooooooooooo happy! hugs I hope you like this new chapter and as you asked of me I shall go on DA and send you a note! Love ya!
Queen PrincessSweet - BECKY BECK BECKY - ! amillion hugs You rock! I hope you like this new chappy -- Kissing, YAY! I'm also really glad you liked the birthday piccy! I was afraid it was too plain . . . I wanted to do more with it but I had no idea how to use Photoshop at the time. Sigh Sucks, I know. Well, thanks for reading! glomp
Roi Mustangu - First off, I just love your name to pieces! Amora's nice too, but Roi Mustangu . . . I LOVE IT XD! You read it twice? ;--; I love you! I wanna read your fanfic if it's good enough to get a bullet train through the head! XD Thanks for reading . . . TWICE!
Aeralis - Steals the banana and eats it HA! Now you're unarmed XD Hands you and apple but at least you have food! I'm sorry my story made you miss the call of food, but it makes me uber happy to know it was THAT good! Sankyu! hugs
Ryo-sama - KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! coughweezehackcoughhackweezespitdiecough I LOVE YOU! Thank you soooooooooooooooooooooo much for reading! amillion glomps I hope you enjoy the first DVD of FMA and get hooked! When Usagi-chan is done with the discs that have the FMA episodes on it, you can take it and copy the eps to your PC ok? Then you'll have it all to yourself . . . Unless you don't have enough room on your compy or something O O Then you'll just have to come over twice a week or something O.o Anywho, sankyu sankyu sankyu for reading! (Did I repeat myself enough? Hmmm . . . Maybe not.)
eaglebird - HERE IT IS! THE NEXT CHAPPY XD! Thanks for saying I'm "amazing" . . . I had to dance after I read that! hugs Sankyu for reading!
daisukiangel42 - Sankyu Star for reading! glomp I hope you like it!
PaintMeGrey - Roy really IS just so . . . swoon He may be a player, womenizing, condisending, control-freak of a man, but when he's next to Ed or in the right light . . . sigh I love him so much X3 I'm glad you like this chapter, especially the tiny kiss...I would've done more but I just hate it when a couple make out after the first kiss. Real life doesn't work that way XP At least, for me it doesn't - -;; (Hasn't even had her FIRST kiss yet) Sheesh . . . I'm sad . . . really . . . . T T