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Chapter Two

The strange appearance was still preying on Ed's mind as the alchemist stepped out for lunch.

Was there some kind of military detail on him now that he wasn't aware of? Had he met the man before? Was the guy an alchemist?

He was so intent on his thoughts that he almost missed the figure standing at the gate, only awakening from his mind when a gloved hand wrapped around his automail arm.

Ed jumped, only to growl low in his throat when he realized who the hand belonged to. The dark red arrays ingrained into the fabric of the gloves spoke for themselves.

'Fullmetal. Care to join me for lunch?' Mustang smirked down at him- the bastard was still a foot taller than him despite his growth spurt over the years- and hitched a dark brow curiously when Ed just shrugged.

'Sure, tag along if you want.'

The General fell into step with him and a comfortable silence descended, only broken after they reached a small café just off campus and ordered some sandwiches and coffee.

'Something bothering you, Fullmetal?'

Ed glanced up from his hands at the General and huffed a breath before leaning back in his chair, 'I dunno, that depends. Are you sending your guys to come spy on me?'

Mustang's expression darkened some, 'No. Why? Are military personnel bothering you?'

'Not exactly,' Ed explained about the man in his class and Mustang rested his chin on his folded hands.

'Hm... I see. Sounds like a fan of yours. I don't think it's anything to worry yourself over.'

Ed shrugged uncomfortably, still having his doubts but not wanting to appear insecure in front of his CO. Mustang had seen him vulnerable way too many times already in the time they'd known each other, 'Well, what about you? You don't usually visit me during work.'

The younger alchemist tensed when Mustang's demeanor shifted from faintly amused to cold and serious in the blink of an eye.

'You've heard of the tensions between Amestris and Drachma?'

'Yeah. What about it?' Everyone had heard about the ominous risings of conflict between Amestris and Drachma-it was in the newspapers and gossiping whispers all over town. Although Amestris had mended relations with Xing, Aerugo, and Creta after the downfall of Fuhrer Bradley, Drachmans remained suspicious and as the trade between the two countries began dwindling due to Amestrians' new allies heading the supply and demand of the country, anger began arising in their largest neighbor.

'Well, the Fuhrer just returned from a meeting with the Drachman king earlier this morning... it doesn't look good. War looks like a likely thing on our horizon, at this point.'

A waitress stopped by long enough to drop their respective orders in front of them before retreating with a kind smile. The conversation paused long enough for the men to consume their sandwiches and sip on their coffee for a minute or two, before their eyes met.

Ed sighed and crossed his arms, smiling sardonically at the man across from him, 'Well, we got two years, right? That's the most peace our country's got since the beginning.'

The General just grunted, 'Fuhrer Grumman's confidence is concerning. He doesn't bother mending relations with Drachma because he puts so much faith in the soldiers at Fort Briggs in the north. He doesn't believe anyone could break through the wall before reinforcements arrived, if Drachmans were to attempt to attack us.'

'I stayed at Fort Briggs for a while,' Ed reminded him after a beat or two, 'I think the Fuhrer's faith is well-placed.'

'Of course you do, Edward. You've never been to war before, you don't know the damage an entire army can do. And it's just a wall. They're meant to be torn down, whether tomorrow or two hundred years from now, that wall can't protect us forever.'

There was a smile on the dark haired man's face but it seemed to be directed inward. Ed was quiet a moment, gathering his thoughts, before turning a glare on his commanding officer,

'So why are you telling me this? Planning on finally trying to use me as your living weapon?'

Mustang's expression hardened, glassing over into the icy mask he was so good at using.

'All I wanted, Fullmetal, is to prepare you. There will be war in Amestris, and being a General now, I'm going to be in the middle of it. As one of my most prized men, I'd like you by my side if possible,' his expression softened just the slightest bit at Ed's incredulous look, 'Even if you choose not to fight, which might not even be a choice for you, I at least want your mind, Ed. That's all I'm asking.'

They stared at one another for a few very long moments, before the teenager rolled his eyes, 'Whatever, Mustang. Stop being so human. It's not a good look for you,' Ed lied, trying to force down the blush when Mustang's deep, sincere laughter echoed around the café.

'I'll keep that in mind, Fullmetal,' the man swallowed the last of his coffee and dropped a few bills on the table before climbing to his feet, 'well, shall I escort you back to the campus?'

Ed eyed the bills on the table before getting up and emptying his own cup, 'What, you're paying too? Are you feeling okay today, General Bastard? No, seriously, are you sick?'

Mustang snorted and led the way outside and into the bustling streets of mid-day Central, 'You paid for drinks last night, I figured this is a good repayment. Equivalent Exchange.'

'I paid for your drinks last night?'

'What, you don't remember?'

No. No he did not, but Ed just shrugged. No point in arguing about it.

Mustang was smirking, as if there was some kind of secret inside joke that Ed was missing, but the blonde ignored it and raised his chin.

They made it back to the campus within a few minutes and paused outside the gate, Ed finally looking at Mustang.

'Thanks for lunch, Mustang. Guess I'll see you tomorrow night.'

'Do you enjoy this, Ed?'

The blonde started, taking in Mustang's unreadable expression that seemed to be a mix of several emotions. This was so out of left-field for the General. What had they talked about last night, again? Had he somehow worried the man?

'What- teaching? Yeah... I guess so...' at the disbelief in those smoldering dark eyes, Ed gave a strained smile and conceded, 'Well, it is pretty surreal, you know? Most of my life so far has been spent fighting, battling against so many different enemies, being worn out and broken down and building myself and Al up again... it's just a little... strange, being so stationary,' the smile faded into something softer and more real as his eyes fell to the cobblestones at his feet, 'even after a year, I'm still itching to be out there and moving around. Sometimes I wish I had gone to Xing with Al. Sometimes I wish I'd stayed in the military full-time. Sometimes I just wish...'

He trailed off and Mustang could only stand there, looking down at him empathetically, 'So why did you stay?' he questioned softly.

'Because I needed to... I know I need this... this stability. I've never had it before, since I was a kid, so...'

Ed knew he still sounded unsure when a heavy hand fell on his shoulder. He looked up at the General to see a too-real smile on the man's face.

'You'll figure it out, Ed. You're the strongest person I know. You can do whatever you want and everyone will support you.'

'Thanks...'

His face was definitely flushed now. The blonde turned on his heel and stepped through the gate, not looking up even as Mustang's farewell echoed after him,

'I'll see you later, Fullmetal. Be careful.'

It was an odd goodbye, but Ed thought nothing of it as he returned to his duties. The day passed quickly after that, with Mustang to think about, and the man's words filling his mind like an inescapable fog. When it was time to go home, he forewent the usual bar and headed to his apartment located near Central Command.

Barely taking the time to shower and change into an old top and his boxers, he crawled into bed, ignorant of the fact that the sun was still shining outside. He just wanted to sleep off the stress, escape from the questions and the restlessness of his mind and body. But just as he closed his eyes, there was a knock on his door.

At first he ignored it, burying himself deeper in the soft comfort of his bed, but the bastard was persistent.

After nearly a whole minute of intermittent knocks, Ed threw back his covers and strode to the door, grumbling to himself before yanking open the front door.

'What the fuck do-'

He stopped when he realized it was one of his younger students from his fifth period class. The fifteen year old stared up at him with wide brown eyes, reminding Ed briefly of Al. James always had been like a mini version of Ed's younger brother, with his kindness and his dutiful passion towards alchemy. He was a kid that had all the answers, and would blurt them out as soon as he could, perhaps to impress Ed.

'Yes, James?' Ed sighed, leaning against his door frame, 'You do realize classes are over, right? That this is my personal time?'

He almost winced when the kid's expression wilted with guilt and disappointment, 'I, I just wanted to ask you about something you talked about in class today...'

'Then consult your notes. Yours are always the best out of anybody else's.'

The brunette preened at the compliment before fading once again into a nervous wreck, 'I, well, see, it's just-'

Ed let out a loud sigh and hung his head. There would be no rest for the wicked this afternoon it seemed. He stepped aside and motioned the boy in, 'Come on in and we'll figure it out.'

Practically vibrating with excitement, the younger teenager walked into Edward Elric's domain, then quickly tilted his head in confusion while standing in the middle of the living room.

'You have... one couch.'

'Uh-huh.'

'That's it.'

'Yeah, what about it?'

'Why's everything else in boxes?' the boy wore a disgruntled look on his face as he peered around, 'Haven't you lived here for a while?'

Ed passed him and plopped down on the couch, holding his hand out for the notebook that James held tightly in his arms. The boy gave it up immediately and Ed set it down on top of one of the four boxes that made up his coffee table, flipping it open to the present date and scanning through the four pages of notes,

'Well, I don't like unpacking. Sit down. What are you having trouble with?'

'This,' James sat beside Ed, giving a respectful distance and pointing at one of the perfectly scrawled arrays that dotted the face of the page, 'how do you tell that this is the correct vertices of the intersecting triangle to place the symbol?'

Ed chuckled a bit and began to explain, pointing out the different triangles and different placements, 'Technically you can place it in any of the areas here, here, or here. Just don't place it somewhere that the grounding symbols will be made ineffective, like here...'

They continued debating back and forth, and Ed veritably explained the need for every tiny place in the circle, only pausing to flip on the lights when the world outside the window began to darken. Despite himself and his feigned annoyance, Ed found himself enjoying this one-on-one time with one of his favorite students.

After a lengthy debate about the differences between an array with few triangles and a circle containing several angles, Ed sat back with a small smile.

'Well, kid, it's getting late. Shouldn't you get going? Your family's probably getting worried.'

The boy shrugged as he leaned against the arm of the couch, 'Not really. My family is back in East City. They do send me enough money every now and then to pay for my apartment near Central University, but other than that I have total freedom.'

'That so. So you're alone here, huh?'

He gave a small smile and shrugged yet again, 'It's not so bad. My big sister visits me every couple of weeks and keeps me company a few days.'

Ed's heart twisted at the thought of this kid being all alone here in Central City. At least the blonde had his little brother to keep him company during those hard years. James just seemed too young and soft to be on his own.

'Well, I'll walk you home. Can't have a half-pint like you getting kidnapped on my watch,' Ed teased, getting to his feet and heading to his bedroom to pull a pair of his older leather pants on over his boxers, unconsciously grabbing his red, flamel-branded coat as well.

Because the action was so self-ingrained, he was surprised by the look of utter hero-worship blossoming across James' features when he re-entered the living room with his old outfit on.

'Wow. You know, I somehow forget that you're really the actual Fullmetal Alchemist, Hero of the People. I see you everyday, too. I'm so lucky.'

Ed shifted uncomfortably, settling for shutting off the lights and grabbing the notebook from the table of boxes just to shove it into the younger man's chest, 'I'd prefer if you forgot it. Come on, let's get going. I need sleep.'

'Right, sorry, sir.'

The blonde locked the door behind them and gave James an exasperated look, 'I told you to call me Ed.'

'Sorry, Ed.'

Ed shook his head with a laugh and motioned for James to lead the way.

It was just past dusk, the sky turning darker and darker with every passing second, until the only light was from the streetlamps. The cobblestones of the street was bathed in the warm glow, creating a path of gold for them to walk upon. The air was warm but a passing breeze caused goose bumps to jump on Ed's flesh arm, and he was reminded that winter was just around the corner. He thought of the snowy lands in the north and remembered Mustang's words with a slight grimace. If war was inevitable there was no point in worrying over it. He glanced out of the corner of his eye and glimpsed James closing his eyes and lifting his face to the wind with a peaceful smile.

The kid really was too innocent. Too perfect and whole and unmarred by tragedy.

That should have been me, a voice whispered inside the blonde's mind regretfully, if I'd only been less of a righteous idiot.

It was worth it to save the nation, argued a voice that sounded like Mustang, your tragedy led to this country's salvation. Don't be so goddamn self-pitying.

They could have saved everyone without Edward's help... right?

'I know you don't feel like it, but you really are a hero,' James suddenly muttered, seeming to read Ed's thoughts. The blonde looked at him sharply, 'you're my hero, at least. I know a lot of other people feel the same way. There is such a thing as being too humble, y'know.'

Ed laughed and punched the boy's shoulder with his left fist playfully, 'Whatever you say, kid. Just wait until you're famous someday and talk to me then.'

Red heated the boy's face and he smiled awkwardly. Ed just grinned.

They were nearing the apartments next to the University when Ed's steps faltered. He stopped under a streetlight, glancing back over his shoulder with narrowed eyes. He could have sworn he heard footsteps behind them, in the shadows of the alley less than a dozen feet away. James continued on, oblivious to Ed's sudden suspicions.

'James, hold on a second,' he called without moving his eyes from the shadows. There was definitely something moving in them.

'What's up?' the young teenager loped back over to his side and followed his eyes, 'It's probably just a cat, there are plenty of strays running around this part of Central.'

Ed didn't answer, blinking to try and better his vision. But the streets remained eerily empty and dark- hollow, lifeless. A chill crept up his spine and faint panic clawed at his chest, trying to burrow into his heart even as he forced it away. There wasn't anything alchemic there, he was sure of it. But he couldn't ignore his instincts. They're the reason he was alive today.

'James, go on ahead, okay? I'll be right behind you.'

The sound of James' uneasy retreat echoed through the dense shadows as his student obeyed without comment.

Ed remained standing stiffly and stared into the shadows for many more long seconds before slowly turning and beginning to follow the brunette. Just as he was relaxing and beginning to doubt himself, a flurry of sound had him whipping back around, barely having the time to throw up his automail arm as the butt of a pistol came crashing down- aimed at his head. He sneered and wrenched the weapon away easily, pivoting on his heel when the man followed the motion in an attempt to wrestle him to the ground.

The guy was muscled and definitely knew how to fight by the way he immediately sprang back up and shifted into a defensive stance. Ed opened his mouth, words not even having a chance to leave his tongue before the man was lunging at him again, this time getting a hold of his right arm and twisting behind the small blonde. Grunting at the strain on his automail port, Ed dove forward and sent a kick backward, connecting with a satisfying thud, but still the man followed him to the asphalt without flinching. His arms were pinned to the small of his back and the cold bite of metal circled his left wrist at the same time a small click sounded.

Was this guy seriously handcuffing him?

He touched his palms together and the man fell back with a muffled shout of surprise when a blade erected from Ed's automail, slashing the man's fingers in the process.

One more clap and the alchemist's hands were free, particles of metal raining like sand between his fingers as he began to climb to his feet.

'Don't move, Fullmetal Alchemist,' the man's voice was deep and obviously accented, and followed by the clink of a bullet being chambered.

Ed froze and peered over his shoulder. The man stood behind him confidently, revolver grasped in his hand and pointed at the blonde's chest, a finger already hovering over the trigger. Green eyes glittered fiercely in the dull light, and the snarl of teeth was twisted into a cold smirk.

'Spread your arms to your sides and turn around slowly.'

Of course. The accent clicked in Ed's mind as soon as the command was given. Of course this guy was a Drachman. Man, Mustang was going to have a field day when he found out about this. As long as Ed survived it, of course.

Fucking fantastic.

End of chapter two. Thanks for reading, hope to see you next time! I'm sorry if the endings of chapters are a little awkward or cliff-hangy right now, I didn't really separate them out when I first started this story. They will get smoother within a few more chapters, I promise.

If you liked it, leave me a review? What was a cool part? What could have been done better? Constructive criticism is how I learn, so please don't be afraid to let me know!