A/N: Morning, guys! I'm so sorry for the late update, my life has been quite a ruckus and many unfortunate things happened. I plainly didn't have the time to look at the laptop, not to mention writing. I hope I will be able to update sooner the next chapter, so no, I didn't abandon anything.
So! The better things of the day, this chapter continues the events from the previous one. So, as per warnings, Ed's mouth, Roy's mouth, everyone's mouth... some graphic and not really stuff.
Thank you so much for the wait and I hope you'll enjoy! Please, don't forget to review, follow and favourite!
Now, on with the slaughter...
Chapter 15 – Friends and foes
So peaceful, the beauty of colourful tiny birds singing their lullabies to the wind and to the setting sun, spreading their contagious mirth all around them like a disease. Yes, Roy was probably the only person who could associate such a divine scenery with disease, and, why not – death. A painful death, an endless torture with pointy knives and salty water slowly creeping down a poor soul's spine, a droplet one at a time, raw fingers twisted in pain and blood dripping one drop at a time... Lovely, just lovely.
'Disgusting' he thought as he wetted his lips.
A leaf fell down from a tree and landed softly on his shoulder, making him shiver. A slight tinge of paranoia struck him. He shook his head and breathed in and out, evening his trepid respiration. 'What the hell, Roy, stop worrying over nothing. There's nothing to worry about' he tried to calm himself, but to no avail. There were so many dangers surrounding him, and there he was, imagining nonsense.
He turned right and walked past the many doors of his neighbourhood. Looking at the clothes hanging on their ropes, so much like people at a scaffold... He frowned. If something so little got him so riled up, then the world was coming to an end. But he had to get into the proper mood for coming home after all that happened that morning.
He stopped in front of a rather isolated back door and pulled out his keys. Better not knock, who knew what monstrosity might pop out. Just as a matter of caution, he brought one of his hands higher, shielding his face, and pushed open the entrance. Just as expected, a boot flew through the door. He skilfully ducked and avoided the flying object, the offending shoe prompting into an empty garbage bin and falling into it. Another boot flew past him, this time nearly hitting him square in the face.
"YOU FUCKING BASTARD! IDIOT! WHAT WAS IN YOUR MIND?!" an angry voice yelled from the inside, a dangerous glint of light sparkling from the darkness of the house.
"I'm home, great to see you too, sweetheart, ha-ha" Roy said humourlessly and took the boots inside with him to his possibly slaughterhouse.
He counted how many hours he had to live. Scratch that – how many minutes.
Ha, ha, what a joke.
XXXXX
An hour and a half ago, at the Central Military Headquarters
Roy leaned on the backrest sighing heartily. Winry has left his office less than a moment before in the same stormy manner she had come. He didn't know what to make of what she said, more than he already did, in other words – that he was royally fucked if he went against Ed in any way-, so he let the sudden flow of words sink in. He closed his eyes and waited for the time to pass.
However, his procrastination couldn't last more than a minute, as he realised a fact he overlooked. Winry has mentioned that she calmed Al - that obviously meant she talked to him - and agreed of him and Ed (at least sort of)... and considering Al wasn't the kind to say too much about their relationship even if he knew more, and that ultimately led to Ed...
'Shit' She talked to him. Oh, what hell of a lecture he is going to get for walking away in the morning.
Now that he thought better, he couldn't possibly understand why everyone was so interested in what he did in his spare time and sometimes they knew what he did better than himself. No wonder he felt a little paranoid. He sprung from his chair and grabbed the office phone. He carried it to the sofa and took a seat, thankful that he was alone in the room. He dialled his home number and took a deep breath as he waited for the caller to respond.
...
The phone rang annoyingly loud. The sound echoed throughout the room, startling a lost-in-reading Edward. He threw his book at the device, making it fall on the carpet with a loud thud. He stretched to the speaker and picked it up. "Mustang's residence" he politely replied, despite his bad mood and itchy neck. Might as well be someone important.
"Hello, sunshine, how are you?"
Nope, no one important. Recognising the voice, the blond replied "Fucking fine, thank you! Not because of you, though" He took in a dramatic breath. "What do you want?" Fair question.
Roy gulped and continued in a sweeter tone. "Ah, I'm so sorry if I made you angry, that was not my intention" See? Good start of conversation.
"Damn right you made me angry! Why the hell did you leave me in the morning like that?! You could at least say goodbye or, I don't know! Even spiting me in the face was better than that!" He wasn't exactly angry for the events in the morning, but Edward wasn't one to back off when a fight could begin, especially with his lover. Actually, in the past few months, he only jumped at necks when Roy was involved in one way or another, that much fun a fight with Roy could be.
"Now, now, that's all I wanted to know, I called to make sure you're alright. I'll be home soon" Roy purred into the microphone, his voice low and seductive. He could at least bring out the heavy artillery, if that was all he had over the phone.
Edward frowned. "Like hell you are coming home. Listen to me, Mustang, if I see your stupid face within my reach, I swear you won't have one anymore" Hah, he sounded so manly. He suddenly felt really big and especially tall. It felt good.
"Haha, you're such a sweetheart. I'll see you soon"
Ed threw the speaker back to its cradle and threw himself on the sofa. He suddenly boiled with rage for no good reason, mainly because the older man sounded so infuriatingly sweet for his own good. It made him so fluttered over nothing, like being called cute names which usually calmed him instantly. Just for that little, Roy deserved a good old beating, he'd dare say. Only by breathing, he asked for it.
He smirked. Oh, yes, some little aggression could lead to something nice... something more entertaining that screaming at each other, if there was anything like that. He should play like that, it will be interesting.
He was such a sadist, and he'd be damned if it wasn't true love. Not like the neighbours appreciated their declaration of love, the few that they were.
Good thing that they were not overly curious about what happened in their neighbour's house.
XXXXX
Winry returned to the hotel with a great grin deeply carved into her features. That look on Mustang's face, when she half-threatened him, that look of triumphant power hidden underneath the hard shelter of submission and fake fear, was worth her while. She almost felt like congratulating Edward for picking such a fierce lover. That bastard had the world eating from his palm, and he as well ate from the feisty blond's hand, she was sure of it. That was some nice hierarchy, what she had in mind. She was happy for her friend.
She knocked at the door and it was soon opened. Alphonse greeted her smiling, a lot more relaxed than how she left him. He kissed her cheek almost thankful, hugging her tightly, and she returned it on his lips. "What's with that smile?" she asked, but an answer wasn't given. The hem of her top was playfully pulled forward, and she was once again captured within his arms.
"You know? I've been thinking. I definitely don't like what I've found out today, but maybe I should just let things go... for brother. What do you say?"
Winry snorted. "I say you are both some stuck heads" she replied. His face turned slightly into guilt and embarrassment, but was wiped out with her next words. "But that's the main reason why I love you guys. I have my personal regiment of idiots. And judging by what I remember about Mustang's golden moments, I think I've gained another one"
They both laughed and shared a gentle kiss, enjoying the peaceful moment.
Of course, that didn't mean Al was much happier about Mustang, he still didn't like him that much. Never really did, he still had his doubts after all the decisions and measures Roy took through the years they have worked on getting their bodies back. But anything for Ed.
Not that he needed to know about that.
XXXXX
"So this is where it was!" Roy made, holding up a book like a prized possession. "Seems like you tidied up around here"
Edward came behind him and wrapped his arms around the taller man's waist a lot more affectionately than he was supposed after almost kicking the man out of his own house. After all, he wasn't that mad on him.
"Apparently, I did. Any complaints?"
"None whatsoever"
Roy let go of the boots he had in his other hand and placed them on the floor, then turned to face his shorter lover. "Didn't you say you were going to kill me when you first see my face or something?"
Ed furrowed his brow, looking thoughtful. "Hm... changed my mind. I'm not killing you anymore"
"What a relief!" Roy chuckled and kissed the top of his head. "So, how did it go?"
"What went where?" Ed asked, picking up the mug he was previously drinking from, before Roy showed up and he made his little scene. "If it's about Al, it went fine, I guess. He seriously dislikes you, not like that's such big news after all we've been through today, but I don't think it's hate either. Not yet. Let things sink in, and it might turn into it" he grinned.
"Well, this is refreshing. Leaving things aside, I'm just thankful he didn't walk into something more compromising than you screaming for a brush... I think Hawkeye's imagination was damaged beyond repair last time"
The blond pushed him away with a scold on his face "Argh, don't remind me of that. It scarred my imagination too. But! Here's the best part – he might not try to twist your neck the next time he sees you! So feel lucky, Roy!"
"Really? You're a miracle worker" Roy teased and shrugged off his uniform coat, carelessly throwing it on the closest chair. No wonder his house looked like it did.
"What about your day? Sucked more than mine? Hope it did. Tell me it did"
"Actually, no. Had the best day of work ever. Oh, you found this too!" the General changed the subject abruptly, finding yet another object that miraculously appeared out of nowhere.
Ed didn't welcome the change, and retorted sarcastically "Yeah, sure"
"No, really! Less papers than ever! And no gun warnings, too" Roy lied with a straight face. He had as much work as usual, if not more. And he had some not really settling news, at least in a way.
"Good for you, workaholic. I wasn't talking about that, I was talking about how your conscience was so concerned about me and how deeply you regretted leaving me in the morning"
Roy gasped. "Oh! That... I didn't think of it up until now..." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then smiled innocently. "No, no regrets found"
Ed lightly punched him in forearm. "You self-centred bastard, I hate you"
His harsh words were accompanied by another good natured punch in the shoulder. The brunette welcomed it like a precious gift, knowing how much he deserved it for his crassness. Taken aback by a sudden rush of gentleness from Ed, who simply jumped on him, he parted his legs slightly to accommodate the added pressure on his knees as his neck was hugged by thin fingers and legs confined his hips. He smashed their lips together in a rough yet sweet kiss, a promise of much more.
Roy could swear heaven was a pale imitation of their moment, that until his hair was yanked by the same hands that offered him paradise. "You know what passed through my head? I think I have a good idea how to make you feel miserable"
"That's so kind of you, having me in your thoughts all the time" Mustang mocked, clicking his tongue lewdly. That made Ed sport a dark blush on his normally pale cheeks. Fucker. "What is it?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "What do you say about inviting Win and Al over? Maybe, if you act for once in your life like a humble human being, he might like you better, hm?"
The Flame twisted his lips in a smirk. "Funny, I wanted to suggest the same thing"
"I'd say great minds think alike, but I made it the purpose of my life to prove you how stupid you are"
"You're being so considerate, thank you" Roy said and let him slip from his arms. Ed instinctively lowered his arms to attenuate his fall, but was greeted by the softness of the pillow from the couch. He didn't notice when he was carried to the living room, and didn't have too much time to linger on the thought, as the larger body of his lover pushed him further into the cushions. They kissed, tongues dancing together and teeth grazing his lips.
Ed let his hands wander on Roy's broad back, groping his sides eagerly. In tender motions, small circles were made by long fingers on his chest, prickling his senses. He could feel himself getting harder, a familiar warmth coiling up in his abdomen. The blond thrust up his hips, rubbing their crotches together roughly, demanding more leverage. He arched his back at the much needed contact, and he could feel the teasing fingers that crept between his buttocks, pausing to push through the clothes when they met his arse. He let a moan get past his lips, still captured by Roy's.
Roy opened one lid to look at his lover, whose eyes were tightly shut in pleasure. Their mouths were still working together, and so did his mind. He abruptly ended the long kiss and said monotonously "I think we should do it"
Ed looked at him like one would look at an unknown creature. "Huh?"
"We should invite them over"
"Uh? Okay..." he made annoyed, feeling like his insides would explode if he wasn't granted any release of sorts. Before he knew it, the warmth that enveloped him disappeared, so did the pressure on his chest. Roy got on his feet like nothing happened and walked out of the room, a big-days grin forming on his swollen lips. This was so much fun, he thought and checked an imaginary list of things that he wanted to try on Ed, most of them for the sole purpose of annoying him. That was worth the ache in his loins when he abandoned the touch.
With a grunt, Ed threw his head on the pillows, cursing. He jumped to his feet and strolled to his lover's direction. "I'm so gonna fuck you with a knife" he averted and caught up with Roy, who was innocently pouring himself some coffee. He looked at the jar where they kept the coffee powder, and made a mental note to buy some more, they were finishing it at an alarming pace.
"Ah, you will have to do that later, we are expected at an official dinner party later tonight and I wouldn't be able to stand so easily. Though I wouldn't mind being carried by you, even if it's... how to say it... well, impossible" Roy said matter-of-factly.
Edward blinked a few times, the warmth of his lower body momentarily forgotten. "We - what?"
"Oh, pardon me" he replied formally, delighted to see the blond's mortified face. He hated dinner parties more than milk, and that was deemed as vile. Talking about milk, he should pour some in his coffee, it was too strong even for his liking. "Oops, seems like I've overlooked telling you"
"No shit. When and where? And why should I go?"
"I don't want to get bored alone"
"That's not a reason"
"To me, it is. I received a letter from Grumman right after I left the office, informing me we were invited to a high-ass party thrown by Ross Gartner, you know, the one with the big import-export company and other business premises"
"Gartner? For what reason? I doubt you'd go to such thing for the simple act of it, right? And drag me with you, that is" Ed asked and jumped on the kitchen counter. If his so considerate lover was so nice to rile him up and leave him with a problem underneath his clothes, he could at least amuse himself with listening to Roy explaining his mindless games.
He chuckled, the throaty sound appearing to be made by an engine, rather than the vocal chords. He was tired, but nonetheless amused by Ed's rush of questions. "You know me better than that. Obviously I've got my motives. But to get to the point-" he settled in a chair in front of Ed and slowly rubbed his slender flesh leg "-the main idea is that I need help, and that is soon"
"Oh? And the old fox can't provide it?" Ed shook Roy's hand off his leg, but instead, he turned to play with his foot. The damn bastard should keep his hands to himself if he still needed them.
"Have you read the report on my desk?" The blond opened his mouth to defend himself, but he was cut off. "Of course you did, no need to lie. You always read my papers even when you shouldn't. But, that's not the thing. Drachma has been making pressures at the border after my idiot uncle was declared undesirable, and I've laid a plan to the Fuhrer about a good way of eliminating the problem. We currently can't afford a new war, and I doubt anyone wants one beside Drachma. We would lose all our hard built trust of the citizens just because our neighbours want to go against our armistice. And that brings yet another problem – this operation can't be made public, and we need someone who would import without much of a fuss some goods our nice friend, the Emperor of Xing, will send us next month"
"Ling? What does he have to do with that?"
"Seems you forgot they have common border with them. The Drachmanns want to attack them and make it look like our country did it. Foolish, I'd say, considering that Ling agreed to support me, taking this further meaning Amestris, into gaining yet more power. They need us, for they lack of our military force, and don't forget about our subterranean resources. Not many countries have as much as we do, if at all"
Ed nodded, a bigger image forming in his head. "Aham... Okay, that is true, but what is behind this nice friendship based on resources? And for Truth's sake, leave my feet alone!" Ed kicked Roy hand roughly.
"I was just trying to make you relax, you look tense"
"By tickling my feet?"
"Whatever, you're no fun"
"Me? Okay now, bastard, continue with your explanation why I have to go to your bullshit carnival"
Roy nodded, a little disappointed as he could no longer play with Ed's foot. He should find something else to do to annoy the blond. "Charcoal"
"Charcoal. Uh?" Ed pushed Roy's chair with his automail leg, making sure their contact was minimal.
"What do train engines function on?"
"Steam made by... burning charcoal"
"Exactly" the taller man said and subtly moved the chair closer to the counter on which Ed was staying. "Ling plans on developing his country, and he wants to build railways. There are none functional in Xing and he doesn't have the needed materials for powering the engines, but he has the iron. We don't have all that much iron, but we have mines of many other resources. Charcoal, gold, silver, rare minerals, and the list goes on. And we also have some deposits that we own in other countries, so our resources will not be strained"
"Sounds like you are starting a little dictatorship when you're not even the ruler"
Roy sneered. "You don't see. Drachma plans on starting a war just because they can. Their lack of resources of certain kinds is rushing them into an expansion policy to gain more territory that is rich. Or that's what they write in their pamphlets"
"Stupid Government"
"And dangerous. They can't possibly defeat us, they know very well, I mean – Mira Armstrong shows them that on a regular basis, but a conflagration would get me in front of the lines, as a General and Commander of troops, not even Grumman could stop that. And it would make me look bad in public, the great liberator sending people to die, and that's what their Government wants. Apparently, I am some sort of stick up everybody's asses, and believe me, I don't see the reason. It's not like I'm indispensable or irreplaceable, so they could finish things faster with the right moves. Only that I've proven it's a bit tricky to get rid of me, so that's not viable"
Ed leaned on his elbows to look in Roy's deceptive black eyes. "They don't want you to go up the ladder because you will hinder their expansion, and they won't be able to conquer us. Okay, I get this. You seriously pushed some wrong buttons, Roy, I didn't think so many want you dead, when you seem so carefree"
"Right on spot. Huh, you're the only one who ever understands my strategies so fast, that's why I love you so much" he smirked.
"Don't mix that with business. Spill the rest" Ed urged and pushed his metallic toes in Roy's abdomen.
"Sir, yes, Sir!" he mocked a crooked salute, pulling out a snort from Ed. "Roy, don't push it, unlike the case of those who want you dead, I can kill you in your sleep. So, continue"
Roy lifted an eyebrow, impressed."If Xing builds a railway, we agreed to make a line between our countries. We can exploit the desert for that, I've already arranged with Miles and Scar, and they've sent people to scout the terrain, and they've found a good route, most of it being on the former communication channel. I had Havoc play a little with explosives, and he made some really powerful armament that will help us protect our border during our little experiment, and it might come in hand as we exploit the land. His brother-in-law is procuring him the needed substances from the military hospital laboratory and his sister will be honing the formula. Armstrong is working with her brother on new models of tanks and heavy artillery to scare the crows, and our good Fuhrer is making his speech for announcing how helpful an alliance with the East would be"
"And we were not starting a war. What the fuck, Mustang, and I thought we were living under the same roof!"
"We're not starting anything. I'm merely seeing an opportunity, as we will prove we can fight back anytime and that also we have the right to not start anything. That we are powerful, you see?"
"You want the world to see you like a fucking saint, don't you? Megalomaniac lunatic" the blond said and jumped off the counter and took a seat next to Roy. "I don't really get what you plan on doing, but, as long as you don't start a new unnecessary killing spree, I can't really do much. So... you say Ling wants to make trains"
"We will make their trains with their iron, and that for good money and information on alchemy. Fair trade, and our people get more jobs. It will help boosting the economy"
Edward ignored the last part. "Alchemy again?"
"Always. It's impetuous to learn more about medicine, we need it. We have all the possible weapons, most of them created by alchemy, but not the healthiest population. Some notions of medical alchemy could work miracles"
"So no dominating the world from your bed? You want to help the people, huh?" Roy nodded with a small glint in his eyes. "You see that? We can make this country safe and peaceful. That's all I want. That doesn't mean we won't have to stain our hands with underhanded tactics, but I'm willing to try. Are you with me?"
Edward scratched his head and sighed heavily. "Argh, like I have a choice. You are one idealistic idiot, but that might work if you have someone to take you back on tracks. And I might like your couch..."
"So?"
Ed sighed deeply and leaned on the backrest. "When did you say we have to be at your guy?"
At that, Roy smirked.
XXXXX
Less than an hour ago, at the Central Headquarters
Roy was already picturing the very warm welcome he would get when he came home. He could imagine how he would be greeted with a loving punch in the face and a stroke right in the stomach, so much affection sent to his inner organs that were not supposed to feel any excitement outside their usual contractions. He might have pushed Edward a bit too far with his teasing, but everyone needs a hobby.
He gathered his things and slid the mess of spare pens, stamps and seals back into their respective drawers. In another drawer he put some pocketbooks, a lot more careful, and locked it. Not particularly motivated, he left his office with a thud and the jingling of his keys.
"General Mustang, Sir!" a voice squeaked breathlessly behind him when he finally reached the backyard. He hated exiting through the front entrance, that was only for when he came to work, so he rarely used it when he left, opting for the smallest door in the whole unit. No one needed to know when he left from work. He turned around on his heels, his bored face suddenly lighting up.
"Yes, Lieutenant?" he asked the petite secretary. She worked for the Fuhrer, relatively new to the job, but fierce in accomplishing her tasks. She looked like she would have run to his house to do her duty, or maybe to another city. Actually, if he thought of that, she once paid him a visit to send a letter from her commanding officer when he was on a short vacation with Ed, close to the southern border... which was half a country away. He made a mental note not to underestimate her.
An envelope was produced from her uniform, tightly wrapped around her dubiously slim waist. "The Fuhrer... told me to... huff... give you this, Sihrr..." she said, breath cut short. How long has she been looking for him?
He accepted the letter with a polite smile. "Thank you, Lieutenant, I will look over it. How is your sister, is she better?"
The woman nodded frantically. "Yes, she is. The doctor you recommended started his treatment on her, and she is responding very well. He said she will be on her own two feet in less than a month, after the surgery two days from now"
"Please send her my best regards"
"I will, thank you, Sir"
"Now, if you would excuse me, I'm in quite a hurry, no matter how nice it is talking to you. Is there anything else?"
"N-no, Sir. That'd be all, the Fuhrer is thanking you for your promptitude as always"
"Alright, have a nice day, then" he said and kindly saluted her, and she blushed crimson red when he showed off his great smile. She always blushed when he did or said anything kind to her, making him wonder from what sort of environment she came. But that was none of his concern, not like he won't check into that.
"Thank you! You too, Sir!" she said brightly and ran back inside the building. Very few uniforms talked to her so nice despite her really good job in the military. It was a pleasure to exchange words with Roy.
He turned his eyes to the white envelope and turned it on the other side. He wondered what she meant by 'promptitude' when he didn't do anything yet. He walked to a tree, well hidden from the watchful eye of the world, and opened the letter.
Roses are red, violets are blue, take your ass to dinner with Blondie too.
-EG
P.S. I think I am getting better at this!
"Seriously..." Roy shook his head disapprovingly. Did this man really command the most armed country in a range of... like the entire Planet? He didn't think there was anyone more driven on accumulating and crafting weapons, even human weapons, than his country.
And he made the poor girl run after him for that? "Hah, trying to straighten the circle, Gramps?" he chuckled and started home, bracing himself for the loving treatment he would most likely get.
XXXXX
Roy looked through the house, musing on how clean it suddenly looked after Ed's effort of arranging the mess he left behind in the mornings. It felt like he was using the kind hearted alchemist, that was not his intention, but he just couldn't bring himself to put anything back to their place in the mornings or evening or ever. He used to come back home in the middle of the night, sleep for two or three hours, then go to work and so on. That until Ed moved in, when he finally had a reason to stay at home more than four hours a day.
However, that didn't motivate him to clean. Not at all.
"Your Fabulousness, weren't you the one who was pulling me out of the house? Go change, you can't go dressed like that" Ed deadpanned, distracting him from his awe.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll go, Mother"
Ed stopped midway with a grimace. "That sounded so wrong and, um... I don't think I want to comment on that. Also, you're older than me"
"And you never forget to remind me that, thank you" he said and climbed up the stairs to change into something more elegant than his uniform.
Edward moved from behind the door's frame, where he ducked for only his head to be seen. It was the second time he was dressed in a suit, damn, he didn't dress in that even at his brother's wedding, and he wanted to make Roy gasp a little at the sight.
He frowned. Last time he wore the damned clothing, he almost got himself killed. That was not the thought to have before an event that was so important to Roy.
"Hmh" Mustang hummed when he returned from upstairs, dressed in an absurdly expensive black suit (mostly because he didn't know what to do with money, not that he was a big fan of designer clothes), spotless white shirt and a dark purple tie with matching cufflinks and pin. He looked casual, dressed in an outfit that could easily power up a small neighbourhood for a day, if not longer. "Hah, I think I should have burnt the poor bastard twice for taking this sight from me for my birthday"
Ed felt like blushing. He felt so out of place, in the too tight suit, with a damn shirt buttoned up and strangled with a hanging-suitable cravat. He could swear he looked like a beggar, with his long hair pulled up high on his head and most of his bangs gathered behind his ears.
"Keep it into your pants, we have things to do"
"And I was thinking that living with a woman would be hard"
"Out, out!" Ed shooed him to the door. Roy raised his hands in front of him "Don't throw me out yet, we still have time till we have to leave"
"And then why have you been hushing me, come again?"
"Ah, well..." He cleared his voice. "So, I didn't ask you to accompany me only so that I won't get too bored, it is also because it seems that our future aid, with whom I will personally negotiate the terms of our business, has a soft spot for blond boys, completely platonic, that is. I think it is, at least. Hey, I did not say you were a kid, don't kill me yet-" Roy pushed Ed back in his seat "-But you might seem very appealing. And I need to get good prices, the carry will be very big. So please, just stay next to me and look really interested in what I'm doing, is that okay?"
"Yeah, sounds fine, as long as I won't get a bald guy rubbing on me..."
Roy shrugged. "He's inoffensive, he just feels more generous when he sees people that remind him of his late son. Or that's what I've heard. Anyway, whatever happens, I won't leave you alone in there. But there's also one more thing I need you to do, if you are so good to accompany me..."
XXXXX
They entered the large mansion like they owned the place, or more accurately, like Roy did. He had a defiant air that levitated around him, surrounding him like a perfectly tailored coat. He smiled at the ladies on his way and saluted the men with a tip of his head, his decadent march screaming his military pride. Edward felt more like a little child being dragged around in a convention where he was taken by his parents because they didn't have with whom to leave him home; he felt completely out of place.
They waltzed through the great crowd of people, Ed dodging everyone in his vicinity. At the end of the hall, they stopped in front of a mid-height man, with scanty dirty-blond hair. The corners of his small, grey eyes wrinkled when Roy extended his hand to shake his. "Ah, General Mustang! Such a pleasure to see you tonight, I thought you wouldn't make it, with your busy schedule. Thank you so much for coming!"
Roy smiled politely as he let go of his well-groomed hand. "Mister Gartner, how could I possibly miss your invitation? Oh, but please meet my greatly capable subordinate and good friend, Edward Elric"
The man's sneaky eyes glowed for a second. "The famous Fullmetal Alchemist? What a pleasure, Lieutenant Colonel!" he shook Ed's hand with a great smile that made the poor alchemist shrunk a little. However, he replied how he was supposed "The pleasure is all mine, Sir"
"Ha-ha, no need to flatter me. I've heard about your great adventures and your devotement to our country, it is really admirable. And I must congratulate you on your courage of becoming a state alchemist at such a young age, and I'm delighted to hear you are still a man of the people, even after everything you've been through. Very delighted"
Ed tried to follow the line of words, but the sweet tone lulled him into a dreamy state. Mister Gartner was the embodiment of a salesman, being reputed of making people agree to things they didn't even consider just by sweet-talking them. He had an extensive line of work, the shipping company being just a little part of his great business empire.
Roy kept his polite smile on. He looked natural in his falsity, the irony that it was. When he noticed Ed lost all the words he prepared to answer to the many questions he was being asked by the energetic businessman, he made a stand. "With no doubt he is" he replied at a flattery he vaguely heard. "He is a great help in everything we do for our country. No less, we are planning-"
Ed stopped listening to the conversation and eventually excused himself. He wandered through the hall, looking at the many people who were turning to smile at him and shake his hand like he was some sort of celebrity. He didn't know that so many people knew him, and he felt violated. He hated being recognised by the masses, he enjoyed staying just another face in the crowd. But maybe those completely stranger people were the type who were bored at home and searched for a convenient gossip, and his carrier was a good topic. In the city, many heard of him, but too few actually met him in person to provide any viable theories.
With some effort, mostly because a group of young ladies suddenly took a liking to him and they all wanted to talk to him and learn as much as they could about his oh-so-fascinating life, he reached the other end of the hall. There were so many people he could barely breathe, and the sweet fruitiness of the champagne he so reluctantly took from a waiter didn't calm him at all. He wondered why he had to leave Roy, what devil made him wander aimlessly and answer to stupid questions from unknown individuals.
He sipped his drink until he got bored of it. He had no idea how he was supposed to blend in with the people when he didn't know them, and he couldn't possibly understand how Roy mastered the technique.
After finishing his small talk with Gartner, Roy moved to talk to some expensive clothed men and their wives, he supposed, and made some young ladies blush in delight from his words. Ed watched him from the distance, their eyes sometimes meeting, and every time Roy caught his stare, he raised his glass and smiled at him, making it hard to hide his flushness. The blond felt good when he saw his lover's vigilant gaze searching for him, and felt proud when he saw his eyes smiling. Roy's eyes rarely showed the omnipresent smile on his face, but it was always there for Ed. He could admit it was overwhelming, but it was more so when he was with who knew how many men and women breathing his air and invading his personal space.
When he decided his hand was going to fall asleep from clutching the flute so hard, he put it on a random table and swam through the curious crowd. He started feeling paranoid from the many looks he got on his way, and it completely sucked. At the end of the hall, however, he noticed Roy was nowhere in sight, so he guessed he went off talking to their host.
Perfect, then.
He made his way to a fleet of stairs and went through the nearest door. The room he entered was small and looked like a miniature study, but that was none of his business. He exited through the window and fell on a blanket of grass. He shook of the leaves that stuck to his suit and took a deep breath. Being in the open was far better than being glued to heavy perfume smelling talkative guests.
He surrounded the mansion and stopped under a window sill. He gracelessly rolled up his sleeves, forgetting that he was not supposed to wrinkle them too badly since he had to return to the ball or whatever that thing was. He escalated the closest pipe and jumped to the next window. With a clap of his hands, he forced open the frame and got himself in.
The chamber he broke into was an enormous record room, full of folders and files. He took a moment to grasp the monstrosity of the room – if he ever considered Roy's office packed in papers, this one was swimming in them. The view in front of him perfectly matched his commanding officer's description, quite eerily for his tastes.
Before they left for the party, Roy instructed Ed to leave the ball at around eleven and break into the third room on the eastern wing, that meaning the fifth window on the second floor of the mansion. His mission was utterly stupid, the only order he was given was to 'inspect the forth shelf next to the door on the right and write down whatever sounds interesting'.
He searched through the said shelf, tiptoeing to reach it. He scanned through the many documents, most of them from the clients Gartner had from his various business branches, and some charts. There was absolutely nothing interesting writing in there, maybe only the transitioned sums. "What the fuck, Roy, you made me climb a building just to look at numbers?!"
He shuffled through the papers again, hoping that something caught his eye...
Two voices came from the outer corridor, making him jump and kill the lights swiftly. With the ease of a cat, he hid behind a shelf and held his breath in as the door opened. This scenario was becoming overrated.
"Ah, you are too kind-" a male said in a humble tone, false honesty vibrating through the walls. "- but it wouldn't be beneficial for any of us"
'Roy? What the hell?' Ed mentally cursed. The lights lit up again and Roy and his host closed the door behind them. They were currently talking about some sort of engagement plans that sounded more like negotiating for cattle, and they seemed very acid about the matter, one trying to seduce the other into agreeing to Truth knew what.
"Oh, but it might actually be. You see..."
Ed visually searched for an escape. Last year, when he hid in the headquarters and overheard Roy's discussion with Major Armstrong, it has been sheer luck that he wasn't seen. Now, it was getting dangerous, and it wouldn't do for someone to see their guest sneaking into their house, no matter who they were. And he also didn't get the chance to write anything down.
He half listened to the chat, his ears being more attentive to the sound of their footsteps. At some point, the conversation turned really friendly, and the jingle of keys could be heard. Ed got closer to the light and watched behind the shelves how Gartner opened a cabinet and took a bottle of whiskey. At that, his eyes lit up instantly.
He might have found something really interesting...
XXXXX
A week ago, in General Mustang's office
"Ah! My boy, great to see you at work!" a great voice boomed in the room and startled Roy awake from his chair, where he was peacefully chewing on a muffin while reading some reports. He elbowed squarely the mug of coffee he rested on top of a fair pile of papers, and spilled it all over his work in his attempt to salute his commander without falling off the chair.
"SHII- Good evening, Fuhrer... ah, fu-what a surprise!" he said as he plunged over his desk to catch the falling mug, preventing it to spill more liquid on the soiled paperwork. The older man hurried to the middle table and snatched some napkins that remained after everyone took their lunch there, and helped Roy towel his desk.
"I'm so sorry, lad, seems I've startled you" Grumman excused himself, rubbing his white hair apologetically. Roy casted him a glare that screamed 'no fucking shit', that kind of look he only threw to his most fierce supporter when he appeared out of nowhere, causing havoc stupidly. Despite the murderous shade in his eyes, and the pang in his heart when he realised he would have to redo all the papers that were drenched, he put down the remains of his muffin that didn't end up crushed in his hand and said with a disgustingly polite smile that would make one's gut to knot itself around the other organs at the mere sight "To what I own the pleasure to have you here, Fuhrer, Sir?" Not particularly gently, he put the pen he was holding back on the table top.
"No need to be so stiff, Roy. There's no need to serve me with coff- well, I think I should skip the pleasantries, and get to my business" The General wanted to roll his eyes until he got dizzy, and he thanked God for his iron control in front of other people, especially his superiors.
"I am listening. Please, have a seat" Roy waved to a chair in front of his desk, the one that didn't have any coffee on it. The poor drink, he had just made it, it still smelled fresh and tasty.
Grumman nodded, overlooking the fact that he was supposed to sit in Roy's place, as a superior. He looked back to make sure he closed the door properly, and started "I have analysed your proposal, and, by my presence here, I'm allowing you to act on your own accord, and tell me if you need any resources that I can provide"
'Did he really come here to tell me this. Really' Roy screamed internally. The very same words he read in an informative letter he received in the morning. Did the old crook go completely senile?
"Yes, I understand. Thank you for your support"
"Yeah, yeah, obviously you are asking yourself what on Earth I am doing here. I can see it on your face. So, hear me out – I've found you a good lead for a supplier that can provide for our plan. You know him all-too well, and I hate to make you do business with him again, but he's the most reliable contact we hope for in this case"
"I understand"
"And I also need you to do something more, and that is to work your charm. How you do that and for what reason? You decide, but you should make a back-up plan. I will tell you more via messages, and I have to warn you - you might have to bring our friend with you, he could make some good impression, and, you know..."
"I understand" Roy nodded, making little connections in his head.
"I get that you understand, I wouldn't tell you anything if you didn't... well, then, I should be on my way, I left completely unannounced and my secretary might freak out. The poor girl, she is worrying too much over everything"
"Of course, Sir, thank you for your continuous support" 'No wonder why she worries' he wanted to add, but ignored his urge.
"Anytime, Roy, after all, we're partners in crime, ha-ha" the old man winked mischievously. "Please, send my best regards to Edward; I hope to see him around soon"
"Thank you, I will" Roy saluted as the Fuhrer left his office. With a death-like sigh, he collapsed on top of the papers and rubbed his temples in frustration. Did he just think of going home earlier? No, Sir, thank you.
Ed will kill him if he doesn't come home at a decent hour... well, he might die just there, might be easier and less messy than anywhere in the world. He'd get a nice spot in the morgue, maybe some cute ladies would embalm him and some nice looking coroner with long legs would note down the cause of his death... that was almost too good to be true.
A pile of papers fell to the ground with a thud, and so did Roy's morale. 'No dying for you, Roy' he patted himself on the shoulder and set to clean the mess, thankful he was alone in the office to let his curses run wild and free.
XXXXX
Ed returned to the hall with a confident look on his face. He jumped back into the garden through the window after making sure everything looked like when he entered the records room. He scanned through the room for Roy. It wasn't that hard to find him, he was by far the flashiest person in the room, talking loudly to everyone and no one, bubbling about everything and anything and making women drool all over him.
He chatted with a small group which looked smart enough for a decent conversation, making it look like that's what he's been doing the whole evening. After he deemed it suitable to return to Roy, he strolled to him with his hands in his pockets.
Roy was talking to a blonde lady, her complexion barely showing under the thick layer of makeup. Judging by the long looks the brunette was being given by the many rich men around him, his company was some sort of trophy woman who everyone was aching to get a piece of. It was completely distasteful, and something in Ed made him churn with disgust when she gently brushed her hand on his lover's shoulder, lowering as to touch his hand.
Like he was floating, Edward made his way to the General, who was gently pushing away the intruding lady. When he saw the blond, Roy cracked a great smile and nodded his head. "Ah, but please, my ladies, meet my dear friend, Edward Elric" he said to his attendants, subtly gaining more space to breath. They all changed their attention to the younger man, flabbergasted by his youth and height. Ed didn't feel comfortable at all, but he kept up the appearances for Roy's sake. At least for him, after all, they had a goal for which they came that night, and it was far from getting in a fight with some glossy guests. And, besides that, it was no fun to yell at someone who wasn't Roy.
After what seemed like a short eternity, the room started to slowly clear, and Roy deemed the moment ideal for their departure. He diplomatically saluted the dead-drunk partiers, said his farewells to the other important people around there, and dragged Ed after him to their waiting car.
They arrived home around three in the morning, completely disgusted by the tasteless party. Other people appeared to be enjoying it, but it simply wasn't their cup of tea, not like Roy would admit it, after he declared himself quite good with that kind of events.
Ed plopped on the couch with a long sigh, and shrugged off his coat to the floor. "How can you even enjoy this kind of shit? Being groped all over and people rubbing on you... ugh"
Roy chuckled and took a sit next to him, less drained of energy than his partner. "I thought you liked being groped and rubbed all over" he implied sheepishly, earning him an elbow in the gut. "Not by strangers, and don't you even bring into discussion anything even slightly intimate after making me climb a fucking building in the middle of the night"
"Sorry..." Roy said and kissed his cheek hopeful. "Forgive me for using you like a wretched, inconsiderate and manipulative bastard that I am. Did I say it correctly?"
Ed snorted and rested his head on his lover's lap. "Yeah, yeah, whatever, good to know you finally understood where you stand. As an apology, tell me why the hell did I have to copy documents? Don't tell me you want to use them as a shady conspiracy like you use everything you land your hands on"
"No really... do you have them?"
"Obviously. You were kind enough to barge in with that baldie when I was searching for, let me quote – 'something interesting'. What the fuck where you doing there, anyway?"
Roy didn't reply at first, but leaned forward to take a small notebook from Ed's coat breast inner-pocket. He opened it carefully and analysed the scrapings. There were only numbers and names of clients, here and there some annotations. He grinned.
"So? Why are you smiling?"
"Here, dear Edward, is pure gold. See this?" he pointed to a name that didn't mean anything to the blond. "This is the alias of the Drachmann ambassador. Here? This is a foreign general from the same country. This? That's an undercover agent from the very same place... and so on. They are making business with our dear friend Gartner"
"Aha, okay... why the hell are you working with him, now?"
"Because, now, I have the material for blackmailing him, if needed. If not, I will just enjoy counting the numbers on these papers and stack some more to his respective file"
"So you sent me to break into a fucking storage room to steal you some data to use to potentially blackmail your partner who is a state traitor, because we don't know what he is transporting? I can see the logic, really. By the way, why did you two show up in the office? You knew I was there"
Roy played with a long blond lock that fell on his leg. "Gartner, as per usual, arranged me four engagements and found me a marital agency and already talked to a priest. And, of course, I wanted to make sure you find where the documents were hidden, I could swear you didn't find them until I came in"
Edward's pupils blew off. "ENGAGEMENT WHAT?!" he exploded and lifted his head abruptly from Roy's lap. "YOU BASTARD! I knew it! Of course you had to find yourself some flashy bitch to look good with and have others drool over her, you conceited womanizer! 'cause you just couldn't wait and have your balls turn blue, why not fuck with my head, huh? Very nice, I hope you die of venereal disease, any of them, if possible, all of them"
Roy looked at him with a crooked smile, not really sure what to say. Edward was murdering him with his glares, the chills he was getting being quite unsettling. "Err... Ed? I'm not marrying anyone, not yet that is... and definitely not some sticky woman Gartner might find me. I love you, sunshine, you know that... come on, don't think I could ever do that to you..." After pondering for a second, he added more to brighten the mood "Don't be jealous..."
He stood up and hugged Ed tightly. The blond shook slightly, making Roy wander what was with all the doubt. He wasn't such a monster, to cheat on Ed's complete trust. He just couldn't do that.
"I'm not jealous, you git..." Ed hiccupped. Roy wanted to laugh, the situation was plainly stupid, but he found it very endearing to hear his lover was so heated over such thing. Just enthralling.
"Shs... hey, Edward, I'm not leaving you... that old conman has been arranging my wedding since I was a kid... he once offered me a death certificate with my name on it when I was complaining I wanted a vacation from work... the guy's full of shit, that's all"
"Huh?" Ed made and pushed Roy a bit, looking into his eyes, the burst of jealousy suddenly evaporating into thin air, curiosity taking its place.
"His family has been doing business with mine since ever, and he has a very sick sense of humour, that's all. Dubious character, but reliable" He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Kind of"
"And that's why you had me gather incriminatory information?"
"You never know how friendly people can get" Roy said and nodded his head to the floor, looking like he really meant business. Only if his eyes weren't so sunny and his body didn't pin Ed's to the couch, maybe then, he would have been more credible.
A/N: Ta-da! That's it for now. I hope you enjoyed this little intrusion, my mind completely drifted off when I was writing this.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and please don't forget to leave a review, follow and favourite.
Until the next time, bye-bye :)